The week before Easter is called “Semana Santa” in the Dominican Republic. Dominicans like to celebrate that week with family and friends. Schools are closed, parents take a week off from work.

Easter Traditions in the Dominican Republic

Semana Santa is the most important of all religious holidays in the Dominican Republic since the country’s main population is Catholic. During that week, the churches are filled with people honoring the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Semana Santa is also the week to be with family. Most people go home to see family and friends or just to visit their old hometown.

A very special tradition in Santo Domingo on Easter Saturday is kite flying. Everywhere in the Dominican capital city, you will see kites flown into the skies. The tradition is symbolic of Jesus’ resurrection and return to heaven.

Originated in Haitian traditions are the Gagá celebrations. They as well are held during that season in the capital city and other parts of the country with large Haitian communities. In Santo Domingo, the Congos of Villa Mella are best known for their strong African roots.

The Gagá is a series of religious rituals, accompanied by music and dance, which are celebrated during Easter Week. Gaga ceremonies have both magical and religious parts. There is usually lots of music, dancing and drinking. They originated in the rará music brought over by Haitian migrants who worked in the sugar cane fields of the eastern Dominican Republic. 

Easter Treats and Sweets

On Viernes Santo (Good Friday), Dominicans refrain from eating meat that day. Instead, they turn to vegetable alternatives like berenjena guisa (stewed eggplant) or seafood based dishes like locrio de sardinas (rice cooked with sardines). Bacalao came to take the role of the best-known fish of Lent. Dried, salted codfish could travel anywhere and last for months. So even people in areas with no fishing could consume bacalao salado.

One of the most traditional deserts to enjoy on Easter is “Habichuelas con Dulce”, a dish made of red beans and coconut. No family wants to miss out on it! Another traditional dessert is Chacá or cracked corn pudding. This southwestern desert is mostly prepared in small villages in the central regions.

Read more about typical Dominican dishes and find great recipes on Tía Clara’s blog.

Beaches and Rivers

Semana Santa is also the inofficial start of the bathing season for Dominicans. Thousands of people flock to the refreshing rivers all around the country. Others leave the cities to go to the beaches during that time.

Here’s a quick overview of the 4 most typical Dominican Easter traditions:

  1. For many, it is a week of rest and obligatory reason to visit family or friends; either in the countryside or in the city.
  2. To others, it is a week for fun; excursions to the beach, rivers, spas and outdoor sports.
  3. During this time, Christians in the country avoid eating meat and replace it with fish (especially cod) or pasta.
  4. The vast majority of Dominicans enjoy their typical dessert of this season: sweet bean cream (habichuelas con dulce).

¡Felices Pascuas! – Happy Easter!

IIC wishes you all a great Semana Santa: Have fun and stay safe when driving.

Your Team from IIC Spanish School

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