Dominican Republic Festivals & Events – 2019 Calendar
Events in the Dominican Republic create a perfect opportunity to plan a vacation around a special annual attraction. The Dominican Republic offers a vibrant cultural and arts scene, sporting events, along with precious natural wonders of the world. The North Coast of the island provides a diverse range of activities, all within a short distance to Sea Horse Ranch. We offer you highlights of popular events nearby.
January
Mid-January – March 30 – Whale Watching – whales can be seen along the North Coast as they migrate to their habitat in Samaná Bay.
February
February 27 – National Holiday – Día de la Independencia / Independence Day – Dominicans celebrate February 27 as their Independence Day. This day in 1844 is when the country reclaimed its independence and regained the name República Dominicana (Dominican Republic). A constitution modeled on the United States was put forth in November 1844. The day is marked locally by a parade in downtown Sosua.
March
March 23 – Cabarete Carnaval will be held with a parade proceeding down the main street in the town center and along the beach in front of the restaurants that line Cabarete Bay. Carnaval in the Dominican Republic is celebrated throughout the months of February & March, with famous parades held on the weekends in the nation’s capital Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, La Vega, and many other towns. Distinguished by its colorful costumes that symbolize religious and traditional characters, each town adds its own twist to the event. Carnival celebrations in Cabarete
April
April 13 – 20 – Semana Santa – (Spring Break) Easter Holy Week is a festive and celebratory religious event. In Cabarete, the beach bars and restaurants celebrate a week-long party, with dancing and music attended by thousands every year. Check out the action in town, or relax in the tranquil setting of Sea Horse Ranch during Spring Break. This is one of the biggest vacation times of the year in the Dominican Republic.
May
May 28 – Sunday – Mother’s Day in the Dominican Republic is always celebrated on the last Sunday in May. A special day to honor this special someone, the event is always celebrated with a brunch at The Beach Club at Sea Horse Ranch.
June
June 2 – 9 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
Sea Horse Ranch Summer Camp begins in the last weeks of June and runs through the month of July, for children ages 6-12. Summer Camp activities include Tennis, Swimming, Surfing, Horseback Riding, Day Trips, Arts & Crafts, Soccer, Water Games, Spanish Lessons and More. Hours for the Day Camp are from 8:30am-4:00pm, Monday through Friday. Weekly rates and family discounts are available. Contact us for details.
August
August 16 – National Holiday – Restoration Day
September
Mid-September – Multicultural Food Festival of Sosua – Restaurants of Sosua come together to celebrate the multicultural heritage and gastronomic delights of Sosua. The festival includes artistic performances, exhibitions, children’s programs and food tastings by local chefs and restaurants.
October
Halloween is celebrated on October 31 with traditional trick-or-treating for children. A fun activity for the whole family, everyone is welcome to join in the fun at Sea Horse Ranch and other communities in Cabarete.
November
November 1-3 – The Dominican Republic Jazz Festival will be held in multiple cities, past locations have included Puerto Plata, Santiago, Cabarete and Sosua. Sponsored by education foundation FEDUJAZZ and the Ministry of Tourism, The Dominican Republic Jazz Festival is the longest-running jazz event in the country. This multi-day free event brings critically-acclaimed international and local jazz artists to perform every year.
December
The Holiday season is a magical time at Sea Horse Ranch. The Beach Club hosts special dinners for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and the Equestrian Center celebrates with an annual dress parade and award ceremony.
December 24 – Christmas Eve – Observance
December 25 – National Holiday – Christmas Day
December 31 – New Year’s Eve – Observance