Dominican Republic (DO)
The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean's most visited destination — a lively Spanish-speaking nation sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.
Capital: Santo Domingo
Region: Americas
Language: Spanish
Currency: DOP (RD$)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 40)
Emergency: 911
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Public Holidays 2026
14 holidays in Dominican Republic. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
Año Nuevo
National holiday. Government offices, banks, and most businesses closed. Celebrations with family and fireworks the night before.
Tue 6
Epiphany (Three Kings Day) Public Holiday
Día de Reyes
Major celebration. Children traditionally receive gifts on this day. Parades and festivities in many towns. Banks and government offices closed.
Wed 21
Our Lady of Altagracia Day Public Holiday
Día de la Virgen de la Altagracia
Patron saint of the Dominican Republic. Massive pilgrimage to the Basilica of Higüey. Observed nationwide — government offices and banks closed.
Mon 26
Duarte Day Public Holiday
Día de Duarte
Commemorates Juan Pablo Duarte, founding father of the Dominican Republic. National holiday with parades and patriotic events.
February 2026
Fri 27
Independence Day Public Holiday
Día de la Independencia
The DR's declaration of independence from Haiti in 1844. One of the most important national holidays. Military parades, patriotic events, government ceremonies.
April 2026
Thu 2
Maundy Thursday Public Holiday
Jueves Santo
Start of Semana Santa (Holy Week). Government and banks closed Thursday and Friday. Beaches are crowded — Dominicans travel extensively during Easter week.
Fri 3
Good Friday Public Holiday
Viernes Santo
National holiday. All government and banks closed. Alcohol sales may be restricted by municipality. Religious processions in many towns.
Tue 14
Pan American Day Public Holiday
Día de las Américas
Celebrates inter-American solidarity. National holiday.
May 2026
Fri 1
Labour Day Public Holiday
Día del Trabajo
International Workers' Day. National holiday with union demonstrations and government events. All banks and government offices closed.
June 2026
Thu 4
Corpus Christi Public Holiday
Corpus Christi
Catholic feast day. National public holiday. Falls on Thursday, 60 days after Easter.
August 2026
Sun 16
Restoration Day Public Holiday
Día de la Restauración
Commemorates the restoration of Dominican independence from Spain in 1863. Second most important national holiday after Independence Day. Major parades and celebrations.
September 2026
Thu 24
Our Lady of Las Mercedes Day Public Holiday
Día de Las Mercedes
Religious holiday honouring the patron saint of the armed forces. National holiday.
November 2026
Fri 6
Constitution Day Public Holiday
Día de la Constitución
Commemorates the signing of the first Dominican constitution in 1844. National holiday.
December 2026
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Navidad
National holiday. Family gatherings with traditional foods (pasteles, pernil, arroz con leche). Banks and government offices closed.
Note: Some holidays in Dominican Republic apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.