Christmas in the Dominican Republic

There are so many Christmas festivities taking place in the Dominican Republic it is hard to pick a favorite. Perhaps towards the top of the Christmas list would be the traditional Christmas foods. Not getting them throughout the rest of the year makes them extra special. Many people who were born here make an extra special effort to return home for the Holidays. In most cases, they need to plan for an extended stay because the season lasts a long period of time. In fact, the Christmas season starts in October and ends in January. Naturally, it’s not likely that visitors are going to be able to enjoy Christmas here in the Dominican Republic in its entirety. No matter what part of the season they can visit, they are sure to enjoy it.

One of the very big features of celebration is the numerous firecracker displays. They are continuous throughout the season. There are continuous parties and get togethers. It rises to its peak on the 24th of December. Lots of the stores won’t even open on this day and those that do will close no later than 6pm. Christmas time in the Dominican Republic is very family orientated. It’s the 24th that the big Christmas dinners and gatherings take place. The 25th is utilized to relax and recoup from all the prior activities which have been many.

The Government of the Dominican Republic takes Christmas just as serious as the residents. To ensure that everyone has a most enjoyable holiday they will give each employee a bonus. This insures that all families have money for gifts, food and festivities. It usually amounts to around a month’s wages.

As in many countries, there is a midnight mass that is very important to those who are of the faith. There is an additional one as well on the 25th at noon.

Anyone visiting the Dominica Republic in Santo Domingo must make it a point to attend the service at the Cathedral Primada de American in Colonial Zone. It is a memory you will retain for many years to come of a most spectacular Christmas event in a beautiful country.

When it comes to gift giving, it is just as important and pleasurable as it is in many other countries. The biggest traditional gift giving is the “ A Little Angel”. It is a unique tradition that the residents really enjoy.

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