Discover the Best Local Festivals in Punta Cana

There are endless opportunities when it comes to leisure activities in the Punta Cana region, especially if you’re travelling with friends. The experience goes way beyond the well-deserved popularity of its beaches. And if you’re looking to relax, Punta Cana is a paradise of turquoise waters and white sand. But for fun, Punta Cana is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic regions in the Dominican Republic.

In this article, we have compiled some helpful information about the main festivals and local parties in Punta Cana and when they take place, so you can get the most out of the island on your next trip with friends.

The Best Parties and Traditions in Punta Cana

The festivities in the Dominican Republic are very similar to those in Spain due to their historical proximity. The most relevant are the festivals in honour of patron saints, where each province celebrates its own parties with a duration of approximately 9 days. Although the origin is religious, they are accompanied by all kinds of sports, as well as artistic displays and concerts.

There are other fun festivities of international appeal that are celebrated nationwide, such as Carnival or the Merengue Festival.

Festival for the Country’s Patron Saint

Without a doubt, this is the most important tradition in the Dominican Republic. Our Lady of Altagracia is the Patroness for all of the Dominican people. The day of Our Lady of Altagracia, who is considered to be the “protective and spiritual mother of the Dominican people”, is celebrated on January 21^st. This day is a holiday throughout the entire Dominican Republic, and many devotees take advantage of the day to come from all over the island to the cathedral in Higüey. It is located in the province of La Altagracia, best known for being home to the popular Playa Bávaro.

Carnival

Although the dates change, Carnival in the Dominican Republic is usually held at the beginning of March. It lasts for a month, with celebrations that include parades, parties and contests for best masks and costumes.

It is a must-see if the dates coincide with your trip, as this tradition is an explosion of colours and joy. Each region adapts the carnival tradition using different masks whose meaning and purpose is to scare away evil spirits.

Merengue Festival

Merengue is the most popular dance in the Dominican Republic. So much so, that it has its own festival that usually takes place during the month of July. Although the centre of celebration take place in Santo Domingo, during this month the island is flooded with music, dances, and flea markets, where you can enjoy the enthusiasm and rhythm of the Dominicans.

Higüey Celebrations

On August 14^th, celebrations take place in Higüey, a cattle town located very close to Playa Bávaro, one of the main beaches in Punta Cana. The tradition consists of a country festival with bulls, horses and other animals, in which all of the locals participate.

Source: Turismopuntacana.com

All of these festivities are celebrated in Punta Cana and are accessible from most hotels and residential tourist areas. The more adventurous groups that want to learn more about the Dominican Republic’s cultures and traditions should know that there are many other local festivals that take place throughout the island. On the Punta Cana Tourism website, you can go on a chronological tour of the island to see if any of them coincide with your stay.

If you’re travelling to Punta Cana, it’s always fun to experience some of the Dominican Republic’s national festivals. Therefore, you may want to organise your trip in order catch some of these attractive events.