Easter in Punta Cana is a major event. Easter Week, or Semana Santa as it is known throughout Spanish-speaking countries, is one of the most important Latin American holiday celebrations. With a strong Catholic heritage, this is no different in the Dominican Republic.
What Should I Know About Easter in Punta Cana?
First of all, Punta Cana is the premier vacation destination in the Dominican Republic. As such, you know you’ll have world-class resorts and excellent infrastructure for a great Easter vacation. Additionally, here are five facts to know about Easter in Punta Cana for when you do visit us here:
1. You’ll Find Some Good Easter Eats in Punta Cana
Easter in Punta Cana is a good time for coming together with family and friends. It also happens to be a great time to eat. Sweet cream of beans or Habichuelas con dulce is a delicious dessert typical of this time of year in the Dominican Republic. Generally, each family makes their own large portions and then shares those large portions with their neighbors. It is one of the Dominican Republic’s most distinctive deserts and is loved—and devoured—by all during Easter Week.
If you’re celebrating Easter in Punta Cana, make sure you get your fix of Habichuelas con dulce!
2. Most Dominicans Try to Escape to the Beach, Too
As an official national holiday, many Dominicans take advantage of their free time to visit their families in other towns or to make an escape to the beach, especially in and around Punta Cana.
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This also happens to be when it’s the hottest and driest all year. As a result, the beautiful beaches and flowing rivers of the Dominican Republic are filled with happily frolicking families and friends looking to enjoy themselves while they escape the heat.
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3. Meat Is Out During Easter in Punta Cana
Many churches realize theater pieces to commemorate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and many representations of Christ are carried throughout the streets in religious processions.
Also, Catholic tradition prohibits eat meat during this period. So meat is out. As a result, being an overwhelmingly Catholic nation, many people in the Dominican Republic change their diet. Like at the family dinner tables, most hotels will also serve heavy doses of fish, seafood and vegetables during Easter in Punta Cana.
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4. But Street Pools Are In!
What better way to beat the heat for those who can’t make it to the beach than putting a pool outside your front door and inviting all your friends!
Yes, street pools! In cities like Santo Domingo and Santiago, you will find many streets adorned with inflatable swimming pools filled with cool water and happily splashing children. Street pools in a Dominican neighborhood (Photo by CDN).Yes, street pools! In cities like Santo Domingo and Santiago you will find many streets adorned with inflatable swimming pools filled with cool water and happily splashing children.
5. The Dominican Republic’s Patron Saint Resides in Higuey
Known as the Basilica of Higuey, this Cathedral located in the bustling city of Higuey is visited by thousands of devoted Catholic faithful each year during Easter celebrations.
And rightly so, as it is considered to be the Dominican Republic’s most important religious monument. In fact, it is the site of reverence to the Virgin of Altagracia, considered to the spiritual protector of the Dominican people.
Come Spend Easter in Punta Cana with Amstar!
Just a 50 minute drive from Punta Cana, you can arrange private transportation to witness this annual pilgrimage and afterwards visit other sites, such as Samana. Or take some time out to go shopping and sightseeing on a fun tour of nearby La Romana! Also, remember to pre-book your private transportation from Punta Cana airport to your resort. And as always, remember to check out all the wilderness beyond Punta Cana with adventures like the Outback Explorer! Find your dream tour in Punta Cana from our listings!
Have you ever witnessed Easter celebrations in another country? Tell us about your experience!
