Language

The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. Along the border with Haiti, they speak French, in the mountainous regions (Saman, San Pedro de Macoris) – in English. Travel companies also use English, German and French to communicate with tourists.

Religion

According to Countryaah, most of the country’s population adheres to the Catholic faith (95%). 70% of mulattos and mestizos live on the territory of the republic, 15% of blacks and 15% of whites.

In the Dominican Republic, morals are quite free. Despite the rather high religiosity, it is not required to pray to God 5 times a day.

Traditions and customs

Dominicans are sociable and friendly, they treat tourists with respect. However, do not be offended by the locals if they answer “momentido” in response to your request and immediately forget about it.

Dancing plays an important role in the life of the Dominican Republic. There are frequent holidays and carnivals, the main part of which are national dances.

Dominican men are very sensitive to the opposite sex. It is this country that is the ancestor of serenades under the windows of the beloved. Check agooddir for recent history of Dominican Republic.

Do not be surprised if the interlocutor shows a “violent disposition” to an ordinary statement and starts spewing entire streams of words, accompanying them with strong gestures – this is in the order of things here.
Locals rarely address each other as “you”, but at the same time they do not tolerate familiarity with strangers.

In the Dominican Republic, you can safely carry and store short-barreled firearms. You will see many armed people on the streets. But often the weapon is only an external attribute. It is used extremely rarely. The exception is the local slums where refugees from Haiti live.

There is no dress code in the country. You can wear anything. But if you are planning to visit a casino, a church, a restaurant or a disco, then remember that you will not be allowed inside in short shorts or a sleeveless blouse.

In the Dominican Republic, it is customary to give business cards to everyone in a row. Therefore, stock up on your own, and do not hesitate to offer them to new friends.

Holidays and festivals

For those who first came to the Dominican Republic, you may get the feeling that the holidays here never stop. Locals celebrate them on a grand scale, with carnival processions and folk dances.

Holidays:

• January 6 – Epiphany
• January 21 – Day of the Virgin of Alta Gracia
• February 26 – Independence Day, the celebration is accompanied by a carnival procession and a rich entertainment program
• January 26 – Duarte’s birthday
• June 22 – Corpus Christi
• August 16 – Restoration of the Republic
• September 24 – Our Lady of Mercedes Day
• December 25 – Christmas