Join The Festivities
Experience the rich and colourful culture of the Dominican Republic.
No matter the time of year, there is always a reason to celebrate!
Check out what local festivities are being planned during your Grand Laguna Vacation!
February
Carnival
Carnival is celebrated the entire month of February filling each weekend with parades, events and competitions. Each town offers their own twist to the event. The celebration climaxes on or near the 27th of February, Dominican Independence Day. Visitors and Dominicans alike wait with anticipation for this time of year. The celebration brings with it so much color and tradition from the vivid colors of the costumes, the spirited music and lively dancing. Experience the electricity coming from the participants and viewers alike as all join in the festivities. Carnival is a true Dominican experience.
Procigar Festival
February
Cigar aficionados worldwide unite in the Dominican Republic's cigar country at the annual Procigar Festival. Tour premium cigar factories, explore tobacco fields, quiz top cigar manufacturers, dine, drink and puff away contentedly in LA ROMANA and SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS.
February
Master of the Ocean
Master of the Ocean on the beaches of CABARETE has gained reputation and recognition for the wind and waves present in the location.
Four sport disciplines are judged: surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand up paddle board SUP.
Semana Santa
Easter
The SANTO DOMINGO International Book Fair keeps bookworms entertained at the Plaza de la Cultura Juan Pablo Duarte.
Hear readings by top national and international authors and poets, buy and browse books and make the most of the cultural programme.
April
International Book Fair
Every year top bands at SANTO DOMINGO's seaside promenade, El Malecon, pump out the infectious music that is much loved by Dominicans at the Merengue Festival. Dance on the beach, in the bars, hotels and throughout the capital.
The action centres around Plaza Juan Baron Fajardo. There are amateur DJs on every block and beer companies set up their own sound systems, with live bands attracting huge crowds.
Dancing is second nature to the Dominicans. Each year, the rhythms get faster and the dancers execute more complicated hip-grinding movements.
Merengue Festival
August
The Casa de Campo Open, which was first played in 1981, has for the last 30 years attracted international and local golfers alike to compete on Casa de Campo's gorgeous Pete Dye designed golf courses; the Teeth of the Dog, the Dye Fore and the Links.
This is a yearly golf tournament event located in LA ROMANA.
Casa de Campo Open
September
The week leading up to Easter Sunday, is celebrated in a grand way in the town of SOSUA. Dominicans from all corners of the island head to Sosua for a week of volleyball competitions, eating, drinking and dancing and visitor get their share of joyful Dominican spirit. The fun is extremely contagious and the friendly people will redefine your idea of hospitality.
Easter Week (Semana Santa) is the biggest party of the year in the Dominican Republic, where CABARETE become the main meeting spot for people to gather and enjoy of the beautiful beach and the parties, what combine with Music and alcohol make of this week an unforgettable one!
The Multicultural Food Festival of Sosua is held in September in the Parque Las Flores in SOSUA, Puerto Plata. Sosua was practically founded by Europeans, and the festival seeks to celebrate this heritage and its diverse cuisine since Jewish immigrants escaping persecution in Hitler's Germany settled in the area. Many of the restaurants in town are owned by foreigners who get together for the festival that includes the theater performances, art exhibitions, music, a special children's program and a tasting of the cuisine of Sosua. The event is organized by the Sosua Municipal Community Heritage Unit with the backing of the Ministry of Tourism and the local city hall.
Multicultural Food Festival
September
Global Film Festival
September
Global issues and personal stories are turned into films and documentaries from across the world at the Global Dominican Film Festival. See screenings in Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, Santiago, Nagua and elsewhere. There is a national short film contest too.
DR Jazz Festival
November
The internationally renowned DR Jazz Festival is an annual cultural event held in Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete. The festival attracts large audiences who come to hear the best from international and national jazz musicians.
DR Jazz Festival Official Website
