Spending New Year’s Eve in the Dominican Republic is something everyone should do. The sandy beaches of Punta Cana come alive with lively parties that last until dawn. The celebration focuses on attracting good fortune for the coming year and features lively dancing and delicious feasts shared with family, friends, and neighbors. It’s a fun event steeped in tradition and an unforgettable experience.
tradition
The Dominican Republic welcomes the new year with a series of unique customs aimed at bringing good luck. One of the first rituals is to wear a certain color. White means health, green means wealth, and yellow means opportunity, including yellow underwear, which brings good luck. There is a popular tradition of dragging a suitcase around the city block to symbolize the desire to travel. At midnight, locals eat 12 grapes to make a wish for each stroke of the clock. Many people embrace the New Year by hugging their family and friends, known as “cañonaso.” Before the celebration, the house is thoroughly cleaned and painted, and old belongings are thrown away to make room for new ones.
fireworks and celebration
A Dominican New Year’s dinner is a sumptuous feast featuring pork roast, Russian salad, pastelles en hoja, ponche (rum eggnog), and plenty of authentic Dominican rum from brands like Bulgar, Bermudez, and Barceló. As they celebrate, dance, talk, and eat until the early morning hours, many people look forward to the first light of the new year, making wishes and making resolutions as the sun rises. Festivals are often accompanied by fireworks and gun salutes, creating a lively atmosphere full of hope and optimism for the year ahead.
location
One of the most extravagant celebrations takes place at Coco Bongo in Punta Cana. Other attractive destinations include Bavaro and its casino, the resort of Cabeza de Toro, and the Cap Cana Golf Club. If you’re celebrating on a budget, Punta Cana’s several public beaches and Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone are great spots to watch fireworks. The Jarabacoa region is suitable for outdoor celebrations in nature.
punta cana NYE party
Punta Cana’s nightlife has something for everyone this New Year’s Eve. Coco Bongo is a must-see nightclub. Runs until 4pm with unlimited premium drinks, a spectacular light show from top DJs, acrobats and entertainers. For a beachfront vibe, enjoy handcrafted cocktails at Pearl Beach Club, just steps from the sand. If you’re lucky, Casino Bavaro at Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort offers 24-hour gaming. The Grand Theater Bavaro also features Las Vegas-style performances with live music. For dancing and cocktails, head to Bavaro Nightclub for an exciting night out.
weather
While December is freezing cold in many countries, the Dominican Republic revels in eternal summer. Average temperatures range from 70°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C). Please note that the weather varies by region and is colder in mountainous areas such as Jarabacoa and San José de Ocoa.
Find hotels and Airbnb near New Year’s Eve in the Dominican Republic (map)
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