Viva el Carnaval! From world-class nightlife to infamous festivities, the Dominican Republic is guaranteed to entertain you
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PUBLISHED: 08:50, 01 July 2022
A memorable trip is built on unforgettable experiences, and those are everywhere you look in the Dominican Republic. As the island is dense with history and culture, you’ll never be short of entertainment.
Whether you plan your trip to catch one of its spectacular carnivals or not, you’ll still be met with friendly locals who are eager for you to enjoy yourself. Even an afternoon of retail therapy is an adventure, where the hidden treasures are endless.
As there are countless ways to spend your getaway in the Dominican Republic, here are just a handful of the experiences and activities that will dazzle your afternoon and evenings in the Caribbean’s top entertainment hub.
Held every Sunday in February, the Puerto Plata Carnival sees the characters of the Taimáscaros parade through the town
A festival of colour at el Carnaval
One of the most vibrant celebrations of Dominican culture and identity, Carnaval Dominicano brings together locals of all ages and from all regions. Taking to the streets in fantastical costumes at home or in neighbouring carnival cities, every reveller is free to enjoy the passing parades with their loved ones.
Every Sunday during the month of February, colourful parades take place across every major city and region around the island. La Vega Carnival is the oldest, largest, and most popular of all, followed by that of Santiago de los Caballeros.
Imaginative costumes and masks that portray mystical characters are distinct to each area and reveal the local flavour of folkloric traditions and beliefs. Stretching for several weeks, the season begins with a vibrant indoor carnival gala in Santiago and culminates with Independence Day celebrations on February 27.
One of the greatest celebrations of the culture, el Carnaval Dominicano brings together locals of all ages
Bright creatures take to the streets to celebrate for a fantastical display of cultural pride
Unarguably the most colourful event on the calendar is the final National Carnival Parade, held on the first Sunday in March in the capital of Santo Domingo. The best troupes from every province come to join in the celebration. It’s one last big Carnival hurrah that dates back over five centuries, where you’ll be greeted by wild getups and brilliant performances.
Book some of the hottest tickets in town
If you’re one to meticulously plan a trip, then you won’t be short of options when it comes to finding an event to explore. This is one island where the calendar is always packed, and the annual program of festivities cater to a wide range of interests. Outside of dancing the afternoon away with the creatures of the carnival, there are a plethora of seafood festivals, art shows, golf tournaments and concerts to sink your teeth into.
For the dedicated foodies who visit the island, there are numerous gastronomy celebrations around the country including seafood in Sánchez, mango season in Baní and wine in Punta Cana. For those with a penchant for sport, you can get yourself a front row seat for international competitions in golf and baseball, as well as kitesurfing, surfing and even polo competitions.
International surfing competitions are huge draws to the island and give travellers an opportunity to see elite athletes in action
If you’re taking a more cultural approach, you can book a performance at Altos de Chavón amphitheatre. Designed to echo the architecture of a Grecian amphitheatre, the 5,000-seat, open-air venue hosts concerts and performances from major Dominican and international artists year-round. Catching a concert here, under the stars, is a bucket list moment.
When shopping is your cardio
To many of us, some retail therapy is serious business. In a tropical paradise like the Dominican Republic – an island with such a rich culture – you’re sure to find something special to bring home. Known to islanders as a shopping giant of the Caribbean, here you can browse the designer stores of Santo Domingo’s shopping malls, and notably the Blue Mall, Downtown Center, Galerías 360, Acrópolis Center and Ágora Mall, or the handful of Dominican shops and international boutiques in Punta Cana, and La Romana.
Across the island, you’ll find arts and crafts that have come to define this nation. Intricate ornaments make for darling little keepsakes with which to remember your trip. As amber and larimar are rich in this corner of the planet, you can expect to find glittering jewellery decorated with the precious stones.
Live it up after sundown
Never is there an off season for catching some great live music and getting your groove on in the Dominican Republic. On this island, there’s never a moment undeserving of a celebration. From the beach bars of Cabarete to the live concerts in Puerto Plata’s oceanfront amphitheatre, through to the clubs of Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, if you’re looking for a late night then look no further.
An unlikely nightlife darling is the resort town of Las Terrenas. At its countless bars and restaurants, you can grab a seat out under the stars and partake of the local rum. After a delicious meal and a few cocktails, you’ll be ready to move to the beats of the streets.