Christmas in the Dominican Republic
How Christmas is spent in the Dominican Republic
Christmas time in the Dominican Republic
This year will be spent differently from previous years, as we are now in a new location. We have decided to stay here in Puerto Plata and not travel to the south coast of the country for Christmas.
Traditional Dominican Christmas
When we lived on the south coast, near my lady’s family, it was always a typical Dominican Christmas.
As for Noche Buena (Christmas Eve dinner) bring your appetite, maybe skip lunch, dress to impress, and contribute a little something as simple as snacks to add to the party. That sums it up for your preparation. Since the illusion of cold, snowy winters does not exist in the Caribbean, there is not too much emphasis on a Christmas tree. Some families put one up a tree, and some do not.
I can only speak from my personal experience, not for all Dominican Christmas parties. While there are alcoholic beverages, they are not emphasized nearly as much as the prepared feast. My first experience, I did not know what to expect. I thought I would be walking into a house with the couches pushed aside, and everyone dancing to continuous Bachata music. Not quite, they also played more than just bachata!
Before eating, we started with a prayer of grace and gratitude. Then we filled up on the likes of roast chicken, rice and beans, salads, empanadas, quipes, lasagna, and much more.
In the Dominican Republic, the main Christmas dinner is held on the 24th, Christmas Eve. Christmas Day, the 25th, is about coming back around noon for leftovers and winding down conversations. The nights end late for many here because there are other family parties, plus the added block parties, bars, and clubs.
Christmas in the Dominican Republic is a two-day celebration with family, extended family, and closest friends.
Christmas at Home in Puerto Plata
This year we won’t be traveling the distance and will spend Christmas at home.
As the days get closer to the 25th, it feels like time is flying so fast. Just as in North America, I could see from the commercials that they were pushing Christmas advertising in October, and I noticed the same trend here in the Dominican Republic. Preparedness or being pushy, you take your pick.
Keep in mind that gift exchanges in the Dominican Republic are not on Christmas Day. The day is called Dia de Los Reyes (Day of the Kings), and gifts are received on January 6th. Whoever created that idea was strategically wise, as it gives adults time to pay those end-of-the-month bills first.
This year, we won’t buy a tree, sit in front of the fireplace, and watch the snow fall. This is the Dominican Republic, it’s 80 degrees, sunny, and we are in the dry season.
The center of the city is well decorated for the season. Perhaps they will have fireworks or something else for the people coming together on Christmas Day. Going there to the center sounds like a plan; we’ll see what happens. The area should be full of people, including many coming off the cruise ships from all parts of the world.
Until then reader, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good day!
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