Public Holidays in the Dominican Republic 2024
The Dominican Republic observes various public holidays throughout the year, reflecting its rich cultural heritage, historical events, and religious traditions. These holidays are significant occasions for celebration, reflection, and community gatherings. In this guide, we’ll explore the public holidays in the Dominican Republic for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.
National Holidays
New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo) – January 1, 2024
New Year’s Day in the Dominican Republic marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated with fireworks, parties, and gatherings of family and friends. Many people make resolutions for the new year and spend time reflecting on the year gone by.
Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in the Dominican Republic, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Epiphany (Día de los Santos Reyes) – January 6, 2024
Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day, commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. In the Dominican Republic, it is celebrated with religious services, processions, and the exchange of gifts. It is also a time for traditional foods and festivities.
Days off: Epiphany is not a public holiday in the Dominican Republic, but it is widely observed by the Christian community.
Duarte Day (Día de Duarte) – January 26, 2024
Duarte Day honors Juan Pablo Duarte, one of the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic and a key figure in the country’s struggle for independence. It is a day to commemorate his legacy and contributions to the nation.
Days off: Duarte Day is a public holiday in the Dominican Republic, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) – February 27, 2024
Independence Day in the Dominican Republic commemorates the country’s independence from Haiti on February 27, 1844. It is a national holiday marked by patriotic ceremonies, parades, cultural events, and celebrations of Dominican identity and sovereignty.
Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in the Dominican Republic, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Good Friday (Viernes Santo) – April 12, 2024
Good Friday is observed by Christians as the day of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and death. In the Dominican Republic, it is a solemn day marked by religious services, processions, and reflection on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice.
Days off: Good Friday is a public holiday in the Dominican Republic, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Labor Day (Día del Trabajo) – May 1, 2024
Labor Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, honors the contributions of workers to society. In the Dominican Republic, it is a day for workers’ rights demonstrations, marches, and celebrations organized by trade unions and labor organizations.
Days off: Labor Day is a public holiday in the Dominican Republic, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Restoration Day (Día de la Restauración) – August 16, 2024
Restoration Day commemorates the restoration of the Dominican Republic’s independence on August 16, 1863, after a brief period of re-annexation to Spain. It is a day to reflect on the nation’s resilience and determination to maintain its sovereignty.
Days off: Restoration Day is a public holiday in the Dominican Republic, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) – November 6, 2024
Constitution Day in the Dominican Republic commemorates the adoption of the country’s constitution on November 6, 1844. It is a day to reflect on the principles of democracy, justice, and human rights enshrined in the constitution.
Days off: Constitution Day is a public holiday in the Dominican Republic, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Christmas Day (Navidad) – December 25, 2024
Christmas Day in the Dominican Republic celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with religious services, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts. Festive decorations adorn homes, churches, and public spaces, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in the Dominican Republic, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in the Dominican Republic 2024
| Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 1 | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year | Nationwide |
| Epiphany | Jan 6 | Commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus | Christian community |
| Duarte Day | Jan 26 | Commemorates the legacy of Juan Pablo Duarte | Nationwide |
| Independence Day | Feb 27 | Commemorates independence from Haiti | Nationwide |
| Good Friday | Apr 12 | Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |
| Labor Day | May 1 | Honors the contributions of workers to society | Nationwide |
| Restoration Day | Aug 16 | Commemorates the restoration of independence | Nationwide |
| Constitution Day | Nov 6 | Commemorates the adoption of the constitution | Nationwide |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25 | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |