If it's your first time visiting, a little knowledge about Dominican culture and customs will boost your confidence to go out, meet the locals, find your way, order off the menu, and browse and haggle.
Spanish
Spanish is the official language in the DR, and if you don’t already know the basics, learning some essential travel-Spanish before you arrive is a great idea.
La Siesta and Business Hours
Dominicans do not mess around when it comes to lunch time. When the clock hits noon, you'll see pedestrians and traffic in almost a frenzy to rush home, to the local Comedor (“eatery”), or to the nearest place that serves up a traditional plate of chicken, rice, and beans - called La bandera or “The Flag”.
Almost all Dominican businesses, big and small, close their doors from 12:00pm - 2:00pm, for a quick nap after feasting. If there's no nap time, Dominicans can seem upset - keep this in mind if you’re with a guide or on a tour over lunchtime, and expect a lengthy break around noon.
Buenos Dias!
When entering any business, store, or home (even your own), it's customary to present yourself by saying Buenos Dias! (good morning), Buenas Tardes! (good afternoon), and Buenas Noches! (good evening).
Failing to give these greetings will be seen as very rude, but luckily it’s an easy custom to master - just shout out a good "Buenos Dias!" and watch how almost everyone in unison replies "Buenos Dias!" with enthusiasm.
Religious Holidays
Freedom of religion is part of the Dominican constitution, but Christians (Catholics, Protestants, and Evangelists) make up 80 percent of the population, and Christian religious holidays play a big part in the annual calendar and Dominican social life. The most celebrated days are:
- - Semana Santa (Holy Week/spring break)
- - Corpus Cristi (Body of Christ)
- - Dia de San Andres (egg-throwing festival)
- - Dia de La Altagracia (Virgin of Altagracia)
- - La Navidad (Christmas), and Los Reyes (Day of the Three Kings)
On each of these holidays, Dominicans get the whole weekend off to spend with family and friends who live in other regions.
