Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is the most important holiday period in the Dominican calendar, even more significant than Christmas for many families. The entire week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday sees the country slow down, with schools, businesses, and government offices closing from Thursday onwards.

The celebration has two distinct dimensions: the deeply religious observances and the massive beach exodus. While devout Dominicans attend church services and processions, millions of families head to beaches, rivers, and the countryside for their biggest vacation of the year.

During Semana Santa, expect the Dominican Republic to feel very different from normal:

• Businesses close: Many shops, restaurants, and services close or cut their hours from Thursday through Sunday
• Beach access: Some beaches were closed for safety during Semana Santa 2026; check current restrictions before visiting
• Traffic jams: Major highways become congested as families travel to their destinations
• Religious processions: Solemn parades through town centers, especially in the Colonial Zone
• Traditional food: Habichuelas con dulce (sweet bean dessert) is the essential Semana Santa dish
• No loud music: By tradition (and sometimes by law), colmados and bars reduce or eliminate music on Good Friday

If you're visiting during Semana Santa, plan carefully:

• Book early: Hotels and rental cars sell out weeks or months in advance
• Stock up on essentials: Supermarket hours change during Holy Week and vary by chain and branch, with some closing on Good Friday, so check your nearest store before Thursday
• Be patient: Travel times double or triple due to traffic and police checkpoints
• Respect the culture: Good Friday is a solemn day; be mindful of noise and behavior
• Try habichuelas con dulce: This sweet, spiced bean dish is a must-try seasonal treat
• Consider the Colonial Zone: The processions in Santo Domingo's historic center are deeply moving