DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ANNUAL EVENTS 2017
For the most current event listings with confirmed dates, please visit the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s
official website and event calendar at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com//events/upcoming
ALL YEAR-ROUND
January– December
Santo Domingo de Fiesta: A free outdoor show with Dominican folk dancers that begins
at 8 p.m. every Friday and Saturday at the Plaza de España in the Colonial City of Santo
Domingo.
January– December
Grupo Bonyé at the Colonial City: Free musical performances of merengue, jazz and
son held every Sunday in the Ruinas de San Francisco, Santo Domingo Colonial City,
from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
JANUARY
January – March
Whale Watching in Samaná: Watch the 3,000 to 5,000 whales that migrate to the
waters of the Samaná Bay on a guided boat tour or from the land at the observatory in
Punta Balandra. The official whale-watching season runs from mid-January to March,
but tours are available as long as whales are in the bay.
January
Dominican Winter Professional Baseball: The Winter season kicks off with the last of
the Dominican Professional Baseball games taking place all across the country starting
in October. Upon the end of the season, the Caribbean Series features the champion
teams of Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Venezuela.
www.lidom.com
January
Jazz Nights: Every Thursday night, enjoy African and Caribbean Rhythms such as plena,
rumba, son, pambiche, mozambique, merengue, samba and more, all integrated with
jazz. It takes place at the Escalinatas de El Conde in the Santo Domingo Colonial City at
8 p.m. www.facebook.com/tuciudadcolonial
January 20 – 22
Caribbean Laser Midwinter Regatta: The Annual Caribbean Laser Midwinter Regatta
kicks off the world’s Laser Regatta calendar every January in Cabarete, the Kiteboarding
Capital of the World. This event attracts top sailors from around the world and is hosted
by the Laser Training Center with the assistance of the Dominican Sailing Federation.
www.caribwind.com
FEBRUARY
February – March
Dominican Carnival: With origins dating back to 1520, Dominican Carnival is a tradition
inherited from Spanish forefathers. Celebrated every Sunday of February, carnival
parades and entertainment vary by city, among them Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Río San
Juan, Bonao, Constanza, La Vega, Montecristi, Samaná, Higüey, La Romana, Santiago
and Santo Domingo. La Vega is home to the most popular celebration in Dominican
Republic. www.cultura.gob.do
February
Jazz Nights: Every Thursday night, enjoy African and Caribbean Rhythms such as plena,
rumba, son, pambiche, mozambique, merengue, samba and more, all integrated with
jazz. It takes place at the Escalinatas de El Conde in the Santo Domingo Colonial City at
8 p.m. www.facebook.com/tuciudadcolonial
February
Barceló Desalia Festival: Every year Ron Barceló Desalia gathers more than 5,000
visitors in a majestic event with a musical lineup formed by the best of the international
electronic music scene, in the best beaches of the Caribbean.
www.viveahoradesalia.com
February 8 – 12
National Craft Fair: Local artists sell at the Fortaleza Ozama in the Colonial City of Santo
Domingo a varied selection of Dominican handmade crafts. www.cultura.gob.do
February 19 – 24
Festival Procigar: More than 300 people from around the world gather at the Procigar
Festival in La Romana, Puerto Plata and Santiago. The event includes a golf tournament,
beach excursions, merengue classes, cigar workshops and more. www.procigar.org
February 23 – 27
Master of the Ocean: Annual competition of water sports held in Cabarete, on
Dominican Republic’s north coast. The event declares a “Master of the Ocean” or “Team
Master of the Ocean” based on four categories - surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding and
Stand Up Paddle (SUP). www.masteroftheocean.com
MARCH
March
Jazz Nights: Every Thursday night enjoy, African and Caribbean Rhythms such as plena,
rumba, son, pambiche, mozambique, merengue, samba and more, all integrated with
jazz. It takes place at the Escalinatas de El Conde in the Santo Domingo Colonial City at
8 p.m. www.facebook.com/tuciudadcolonial
March 4
Punta Cana Carnival: Visitors and locals alike celebrate the carnival in Puntacana Village
every March. The annual parade features carnival groups from throughout the country,
costumed characters and live performances. www.puntacana.com
March 5
National Carnival Parade: Held along the Malecón of Santo Domingo, typical carnival
characters from around Dominican Republic troop in colorful sync, creating an
unforgettable show. www.cultura.gob
March 16 - 18
Taste Santo Domingo: The most complete gastronomic event in the country. Here you
can enjoy many activities like tastings, dinners, private events and awards as well as the
exquisite cuisine that Dominican Republic offers. www.tastesantodomingo.com
March 24
Caribbean Cigar Night: With the country’s longstanding history of producing some of
the finest cigars in the world, this event, held in Puerto Plata, attracts a wide audience
to learn about and sample some of the most prestigious local and international brands.
The event also offers fine dining and live music. www.cigarnightpop.com
March 28 – 31
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Santo Domingo joins the exclusive list of the few
international cities to host the elite Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Here, designers of
national
and
international
fame
will
showcase
their
collections.
www.mbfashionweek.com
APRIL
April
Jazz Nights: Every Thursday night, enjoy African and Caribbean Rhythms such as plena,
rumba, son, pambiche, mozambique, merengue, samba and more, all integrated with
jazz. It takes place at the Escalinatas de El Conde in the Santo Domingo Colonial City at
8 p.m. www.facebook.com/tuciudadcolonial
April 21 – May 2
International Book Fair: The fair is held at the Plaza de la Cultura in Santo Domingo.
Writers, editors, speakers and experts participate in this event. www.cultura.gob.do
MAY
May 3 – 5
Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE): Dominican Republic’s National Hotel &
Tourism Association, ASONAHORES, hosts the country’s leading travel booking event at
the Paradisus Palma Real in Punta Cana. www.drdate.net
May 4 – 7
Web.com Tour: Play along cliffs, lakes and spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea in the
field designed by Tom Fazio - Los Corales Golf Club - at the Puntacana Resort & Club,
the new home of the popular golf tournament Web.com Tour. Here professional
golfers, who have not yet reached reach the PGA Tour, compete to win the entrance
card to the famous PGA Tour, celebrated in the USA. www.pgatour.com
JUNE
June
Expo Turismo Santiago: Held at the Gran Almirante Convention Center in Santiago, this
holiday fair involves airlines, cruise lines, tour operators and hotels that will offer
attractive rates and tour packages, providing the public the opportunity to take
advantage of special rates.
June
Aventúrate: Celebrated at the Botanical Garden of Santo Domingo, Aventúrate is a
sustainable alternative tourism fair, where more than 50 small and medium enterprises
will be offering products and services that enrich tourism alternative national. From
9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information go to www.aventurate.do
June
Caribbean Tourism Exchange (BTC): The BTC is held at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel &
Casino in Santo Domingo and aims to market, promote and sell tourism products and
services. www.btc.com.do
June
Barbarella: One of the biggest electronic music events in the Dominican Republic, and it
is presented by Cervecería Nacional Dominicana, which has had the commitment to do
this kind of entertainment events for thousands of followers and consumers..
www.barbarellabypresidente.com
June 14 – 18
100K del Caribe: A seven-day 100 km Caribbean marathon that spans from Cabarete to
Samaná. The race will break into five stages between the towns of Sosúa (8 km), Puerto
Plata (17.5 km), Cabarete, (18 km), Las Terrenas (44.5 km) and Samaná (12 km).
www.100kmdelcaribe.com
JULY
July
Punta Cana Food & Wine Festival: A gastronomic festival that combines high-end
gastronomy with the Caribbean paradisiacal ambiance of Punta Cana.
www.puntacanafoodandwine.com
AUGUST
August
Verano Presidente: The Cervecería Nacional Dominicana celebrates summer with spice
space where the audience will experience every weekend the most exciting parties and
surprises. Live musical performances, games, national and international DJs, a special
assembly, among other attractions. www.presidente.com.do
August
Merengue & Caribbean Rhythms Festival: Plaza Juan Barón at Santo Domingo's Seaside
Boulevard, El Malecón, hosts the Merengue & Caribbean Rhythms Festival. The event
features various styles of music including merengue, bachata, salsa, Caribbean rhythms,
reggaeton, reggae and much more.
August 13
XTERRA Triathlon: The international organization XTERRA made Dominican Republic
part of the international circuit of competitions of Off Road Triathlon and Trail Run, the
most important on of its kind. This event will be held at Casa Bonita, in Barahona.
www.xterradr.com
SEPTEMBER
September
ASONAHORES Trade Show: The annual trade show, held in Punta Cana, promotes goods
and services offered by the local hotel and restaurant suppliers. The program also
includes cooking contests, food tastings, auctions, event and product launches and
more. www.asonahores.com
September
Merengue & Caribbean Rhythms Festival: Puerto Plata’s Seaside Boulevard, El
Malecón, hosts the Merengue & Caribbean Rhythms Festival. The event features
various styles of music including merengue, bachata, salsa, Caribbean rhythms,
reggaeton, reggae and much more.
September
Palito Seco: A sailing competition in the magnificent Bay of Barahona. Enjoy the sweet
tropical winds and waves of the beautiful beaches of Barahona, in a sporting and
relaxed atmosphere. The categories that participate are Laser (Radial and Standard),
Optimist, Sunfish, and Windsurfing and Paddle categories.
September 10 – 15
DR Golf Travel Exchange: Held at Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe, in Punta Cana, DR Golf
Travel Exchange displays all facilities and advantages that Dominican Republic offers in
golf tourism through its unique courses and workshops - allowing a meeting between
the national hotel sector and international tour operators, agents travel and trade press
in different media. www.drgolftravel.com
OCTOBER
October
Discover Puerto Plata Marketplace: The annual event promotes Puerto Plata among
the national and international markets, highlighting it as a complete and diversified
Caribbean destination with a wide variety of accommodation options, excursions and
tours. www.discoverpuertoplata.com
October – January
Dominican Winter Professional Baseball: The Winter season kicks off with the
Dominican Professional Baseball games taking place all across the country starting in
October. Upon the end of the season, the Caribbean Series features the champion
teams of Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Venezuela.
www.lidom.com
October 24 - 28
Dominicana Moda: Dominican fashion is celebrated for one week in October. Top
designers and brands showcase their seasonal lines in continuous runway shows. The
event is going to be held for the first time at the Colonial City of Santo Domingo.
www.dominicanamoda.com
NOVEMBER
November
Jazz Nights: Every Thursday night, enjoy African and Caribbean Rhythms such as plena,
rumba, son, pambiche, mozambique, merengue, samba and more, all integrated with
jazz. It takes place at the Escalinatas de El Conde in the Santo Domingo Colonial City at
8 p.m. www.facebook.com/tuciudadcolonial
November
Santo Domingo Destino Capital: The event seeks to showcase the capital city as a
contemporary and magnificent destination for travelers, as well an excellent choice for
meetings, incentives, conventions and events –MICE segment.
www.cometosantodomingo.com
November
Puerto Plata Golf Classic: This event has quickly become a favorite between local
golfers and very well received among foreign players. It takes place in the Playa Dorada
Golf Course, designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones. www.ashonorte.com
November
Dominican Republic Jazz Festival: Annual cultural event held in Santo Domingo,
Cabarete, Puerto Plata and Santiago; attracts large audiences who come to hear the
best from international and national jazz musicians. www.drjazzfestival.com
November
Colonial Fest: The Santo Domingo Colonial Fest (CFEST) is a celebration to
commemorate the culture, cuisine, and history of the Dominican Republic, creating
awareness and appreciation of the Dominican authenticity and idiosyncrasy. For more
information www.colonialfest.org
DECEMBER
December
Jazz Nights: Every Thursday night, enjoy African and Caribbean Rhythms such as plena,
rumba, son, pambiche, mozambique, merengue, samba and more, all integrated with
jazz. It takes place at the Escalinatas de El Conde in the Santo Domingo Colonial City at
8 p.m. www.facebook.com/tuciudadcolonial
December 31
New Year’s Celebration: A New Year’s celebration is held on the Avenida del Puerto
and the Malecón in Santo Domingo. Bands play merengue and fireworks are set off at
midnight.
For an updated list of events in Dominican Republic visit: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com//events/upcoming
News releases, images and the press kit also can be accessed from the official DR Ministry of Tourism
website: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com. For additional photos, broll and more specific needs, please contact Annie
Holschuh ([email protected]) BVK Word for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism.
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