Holy Week 2026: DR Restricts Beach Parties and Pauses Alcohol Sales
Travelers heading to the Dominican Republic over Holy Week 2026 should prepare for a noticeably quieter atmosphere at beaches, rivers, and resort areas, following new restrictions announced by the Ministry of the Interior and Police.
What the Rules Cover
According to Dominican Today, Resolution MIP-RR-0001-2026 puts in place a temporary ban on large-scale gatherings across coastal and recreational zones from March 29 through April 5, 2026. That includes mass parties at beaches and rivers, as well as big public or private events at resort and recreational venues. Authorities have also prohibited the setup of stages, tents, and similar party infrastructure during the same window.
In addition, the sale of alcoholic beverages will be suspended nationwide on Good Friday, a measure that applies to bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and corner colmados alike.
What It Means for Travelers
Holy Week (Semana Santa) is one of the busiest domestic travel periods in the DR, when locals flood to the coast. The new rules don't cancel your vacation — hotels, beaches, and restaurants remain open — but the vibe will lean toward family relaxation rather than open-air partying.
A few practical tips if you're visiting during this stretch:
- Plan ahead for drinks on Good Friday. If you'd like wine or beer with dinner at your hotel, ask in advance whether your all-inclusive package will still serve alcohol that day. Policies vary by property and may be affected by the national restriction.
- Expect more police presence at popular beaches and river spots, along with checkpoints on major highways.
- Book activities through licensed operators. Organized excursions, catamaran trips, and resort entertainment generally continue, while informal pop-up beach parties will not be permitted.
- Drive carefully. Holy Week traditionally sees heavy traffic, and authorities tend to step up road safety enforcement.
For expats and long-term visitors, the measures are similar to those rolled out in previous Semana Santa seasons, with the government framing them as public-safety precautions during the holiday surge.
Travelers can consult Dominican Today for further updates as the holiday approaches.