The Guloya Festival begins on the first day of the year in San Pedro de Macorís. It is held to celebrate the cultural influence of the Cuban immigrants who founded this town when fleeing from their own country's War of Independence in the 19th century. Cuban immigrants who brought their extensive knowledge of sugarcane farming with them, eventually turning San Pedro into the most economically important port in the country.

Currently, the town no longer holds its former significance, but the Guyola festival stills draw massive crowds each January to watch the raucous drummer’s procession through the Miramar neighborhood and affords a glimpse of a colorful subculture you won’t be able to get elsewhere. Guloya festival is one of the best Festivals in the Dominican Republic. Each January a massive crowd, dressed in vibrant Junkanoo-like costumes dance their way through the streets of the Miramar neighborhood, to various drums and flutes. It is one of the best and most colorful parade on the whole island. The Guloyas dance has also been classified by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Patrimony of Humanity.

Where: San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic

When: The first day of the year

On Sundays in February, the country’s residents vivaciously go out into the street (in their own town or in nearby villages), wearing masks, costumes, bright dresses and plenty of joy, to watch the parades. The biggest Dominican Carnival parade can be found in the capital, Santo Domingo, usually the last Sunday in February and along George Washington Avenue by the malecón esplanade, although the main spot for most events, filled with rejoicing, color and bursts of music and flavors, is Enriquillo Park.

All the troupes from the various sectors participate in one of the most famous festivals in Dominican Republic, each one vying to be more creative and fun. In Punta Cana, the biggest Carnival festival takes place on the second Saturday in March along the main avenue, 5 de Noviembre, located in front of the international airport in an area that has been transformed as a setting for parties, music and colors. Dominican Carnival is celebrated throughout the country, and every city, village and town on the island, regardless of its size, takes part in this great festival.

Where: Santo Domingo, La Vega, and Bonao, Dominican Republic

When: February

Easter, Semana Santa is the most famous festivals in Dominican Republic religious calendar. It’s even bigger than Christmas, and more solemnly celebrated. This makes sense, since Easter remembers the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for all mankind, his death on a cross and resurrection. While the resurrection is cause for celebration and joy, the week leading up to Easter Sunday is a more serious reminder of the suffering of Jesus’ last days on Earth before he died.

For this reason, you may find you notice a shift in the general mood during Holy Week in the Dominican Republic. The dates for Semana Santa are April 5th to 11th 2020. The DR is a Roman Catholic country, with the latest census showing that over 85% of Dominicans who identify as religious are Catholic. Many Dominicans choose to travel home over the weekend to be with family, much like the annual Thanksgiving home visit in North America. In Cabarete, the Semana Santa weekend means our beaches are full to capacity with Dominicans from all over the country who have come to party!

Where: Cabral, Dominican Republic

When: April

Barbarella Festival by Presidente Black, one of the fastest-growing events in the Caribbean and one of the most famous festivals in , recently took Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic by a storm. Thousands of electropop fans descended packed into Quisqueya Stadium to see performances by some of the world’s biggest DJs, which ran the gamut from David Guetta and Steve Aoki to Afrojack and Jack Ü. Artists and fans alike enjoyed superb sound provided by a robust professional sound system drawn from DAS Audio extensive catalog.

To ensure uniform sound coverage for the 18,000 fans packed in front of the wide stage, the sound team also opted to set up two delay towers behind the mixing console rigged with eight Aero-12A powered line array systems each. An additional two delay towers ensured flawless sound for the VIP area. Both event organizers and artists alike were delighted with the combined power and flawless performance of the robust PA combined with the lighter delay towers, a high sound pressure and reliability that has already earned Enlab and DAS Audio an invitation for next year’s even

Where: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

When: June

República Dominicana Fashion Week is a platform for projecting the talents and values of those involved in the sector, in addition to enhancing the attractiveness of national and international industries, from a large stage becomes an axis of real opportunities, contributing to the economy and transformation of the cosmopolitan city of Santo Domingo and the country.

In its previous editions, 4 in total, brought together leading international designers, including three of the designers of the “Top Ten Latino”: Custo Barcelona, Angel Sanchez, and Nicolas Felizola. States to a select group of prominent Dominican designers who have accompanied us on this path.

The RDFW is also working with the Attorney General's Office and there will be a runway show, “For a Second Chance,” with designs presented by jail inmates. After 10 years, they will continue working hand-in-hand with people and companies that promote the values we have as human beings regardless of ethnicity, social status, physical condition, age, state of vulnerability, and all other factors that promote social discrimination.

Where: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

When: October

Merengue is both music and dance style distinctive to Dominican culture. The three-person bands usually consist of accordion, saxophone, and drum. They accompany couples dancing in pairs wearing traditional costumes. The dance looks so lively that it can make anyone want to dance.

The festival is usually started on the last week of July and lasts for two weeks. During that time, El Malecón, Santo Domingo’s seaside promenade, becomes a playground for fun. The agenda includes a few stages at a time, musical bands, dancers in colorful costumes, which creates an atmosphere of a non-stop celebration. Vendors usually cook pork sandwiches called chimichurris, perfectly paired with local beer and traditional rum.

Where: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

When: July and August