Public holidays in the Dominican Republic in 2026 include 12 officially confirmed nationwide holidays covering national independence, historical commemorations, Catholic religious celebrations and Christmas. Three holidays have been transferred to Mondays under Law No. 139-97, giving workers additional opportunities for long weekends.
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The Ministry of Labour published the official 2026 holiday calendar on 5 November 2025, confirming the applicable dates and adjustments. This guide explains the national holiday schedule, religious observances, Monday holiday-transfer rules, employment arrangements and opportunities for extended breaks.
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Next Public Holiday in Dominican Republic
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 9, 2026 | Monday | Constitution Day (Observed) | Confirmed |
Public Holidays in Dominican Republic 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Confirmed |
| January 5, 2026 | Monday | Three Kings' Day (Observed) | Confirmed |
| January 21, 2026 | Wednesday | Our Lady of Altagracia | Confirmed |
| January 26, 2026 | Monday | Juan Pablo Duarte's Birthday | Confirmed |
| February 27, 2026 | Friday | Independence Day | Confirmed |
| April 3, 2026 | Friday | Good Friday | Confirmed |
| May 4, 2026 | Monday | Labour Day (Observed) | Confirmed |
| June 4, 2026 | Thursday | Corpus Christi | Confirmed |
| August 16, 2026 | Sunday | Restoration Day | Confirmed |
| September 24, 2026 | Thursday | Our Lady of Mercy | Confirmed |
| November 9, 2026 | Monday | Constitution Day (Observed) | Confirmed |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | Confirmed |
The Dominican Republic has 12 nationwide public holidays in 2026, including three officially transferred holidays. The calendar covers historical events, national celebrations and religious festivals.
The Ministry of Labour's official 2026 announcement establishes the dates applicable throughout the country.
Under Law No. 139-97, certain public holidays are transferred to Mondays rather than observed on their original calendar dates. Other holidays remain fixed and cannot be transferred.
National Holidays in Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic celebrates several national holidays commemorating its independence, restoration of sovereignty, constitutional development and historical leaders.
Independence Day
Independence Day is celebrated on 27 February each year. It commemorates the declaration of Dominican independence from Haiti in 1844 and the founding of the Dominican Republic.
In 2026, Independence Day falls on Friday, 27 February. It is an immovable nationwide public holiday, meaning the official date is not transferred under the country's Monday holiday-transfer system.
The occasion is associated with patriotic celebrations, civic ceremonies, cultural activities and events recognizing the country's history and sovereignty.
Juan Pablo Duarte's Birthday
Juan Pablo Duarte's Birthday is commemorated on 26 January. Duarte was one of the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic and played a leading role in the independence movement.
The holiday recognizes his contribution to Dominican national identity and independence. In 2026, it falls on Monday, 26 January and remains on its scheduled date.
Restoration Day
Restoration Day, known locally as Día de la Restauración, is observed on 16 August. It commemorates the beginning of the Dominican Restoration War in 1863, which eventually ended Spanish colonial rule and restored Dominican sovereignty in 1865.
In 2026, Restoration Day falls on Sunday, 16 August. The Ministry of Labour expressly confirmed that the holiday would not be transferred to Monday, 17 August.
The holiday remains on its original date, and ordinary work schedules resume on Monday for employees whose working week begins that day.
The government's position is explained in the Ministry of Labour's August 2026 announcement.
Constitution Day
Constitution Day commemorates the adoption of the Dominican Republic's first constitution on 6 November 1844.
It recognizes the establishment of the country's constitutional framework and the principles governing the Dominican state.
Although Constitution Day falls on Friday, 6 November 2026, the official holiday is transferred to Monday, 9 November under Law No. 139-97.
Friday, 6 November remains a regular working day under the published holiday calendar, while Monday, 9 November is the nationwide day off.
Labour Day
Labour Day, also known as International Workers' Day, is commemorated annually on 1 May. It recognizes workers and their contributions to the country's economy and society.
In 2026, the traditional anniversary falls on Friday, 1 May. However, the government officially transferred the holiday to Monday, 4 May.
The Ministry of Labour confirmed that 1 May was a regular working day and that the official paid holiday would be observed on 4 May.
The transfer creates a potential three-day weekend for employees who normally have Saturday and Sunday off.
Religious Public Holidays in Dominican Republic
Catholic traditions are an important part of the Dominican Republic's public holiday calendar. Several nationwide holidays recognize religious celebrations, including Three Kings' Day, Our Lady of Altagracia, Good Friday, Corpus Christi, Our Lady of Mercy and Christmas.
Three Kings' Day
Three Kings' Day, also known as Epiphany or Día de los Santos Reyes, traditionally falls on 6 January. The celebration commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus.
In 2026, the religious observance falls on Tuesday, 6 January, but the official public holiday is transferred to Monday, 5 January.
This creates an extended weekend immediately after New Year's Day for employees following a standard Monday-to-Friday work schedule.
Our Lady of Altagracia
Our Lady of Altagracia is celebrated on 21 January. The religious holiday honours the Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Altagracia, regarded as a spiritual protector of the Dominican people.
The celebration is particularly associated with the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in Higüey, an important Catholic pilgrimage destination.
In 2026, the holiday falls on Wednesday, 21 January and is not transferred to another day.
Good Friday
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed during Holy Week, immediately before Easter Sunday.
In 2026, Good Friday falls on Friday, 3 April. It is a nationwide public holiday and remains on its religious calendar date.
The occasion is observed through church services, religious processions, prayer and family gatherings.
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a Catholic celebration honouring the Eucharist and the Christian belief in the presence of Jesus Christ in the consecrated bread and wine.
The holiday follows the Christian liturgical calendar, so its Gregorian date changes annually.
In 2026, Corpus Christi falls on Thursday, 4 June. The Ministry of Labour confirmed that the holiday would remain on that Thursday without transfer.
The official announcement specified that normal work would resume on Friday, 5 June for employees scheduled to work that day.
Our Lady of Mercy
Our Lady of Mercy, also known as Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, is observed on 24 September.
The celebration honours the Virgin Mary under a title closely associated with Dominican Catholic tradition and religious heritage.
In 2026, the holiday falls on Thursday, 24 September and remains on its scheduled date.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on 25 December and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.
It is a nationwide public holiday marked by religious services, family gatherings, festive meals and traditional celebrations.
In 2026, Christmas Day falls on Friday, 25 December. The holiday is not transferred and creates a potential three-day weekend for employees whose regular days off are Saturday and Sunday.
How Holiday Transfers Work in Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic operates a system for transferring certain public holidays to Mondays under Law No. 139-97, enacted on 19 June 1997.
The legislation allows specified holidays falling on other weekdays to be observed on a designated Monday, helping consolidate non-working days and support extended weekends.
However, not every public holiday can be moved. Some national and religious holidays are legally protected from transfer.
Public Holidays Transferred in 2026
Three nationwide public holidays are transferred to Mondays in 2026:
- Three Kings' Day: The original celebration on Tuesday, 6 January is observed as a public holiday on Monday, 5 January.
- Labour Day: The original anniversary on Friday, 1 May is observed on Monday, 4 May.
- Constitution Day: The original anniversary on Friday, 6 November is observed on Monday, 9 November.
These are substitutions, not additional public holidays. The original dates remain commemorative occasions but are not separate nationwide non-working days under the official 2026 schedule.
Public Holidays That Are Not Transferred
Several holidays remain on their established dates, including Independence Day, Good Friday and Restoration Day.
Restoration Day is particularly important in 2026 because it falls on Sunday, 16 August. The Ministry of Labour confirmed that no substitute holiday would be granted on Monday, 17 August.
The official holiday calendar should therefore be followed rather than assuming that every weekend holiday automatically creates a Monday day off.
Are Public Holidays Paid in Dominican Republic?
Yes. Dominican labour legislation recognizes public holidays as legally protected non-working days, subject to the applicable employment rules.
Article 165 of the Dominican Labour Code provides that legally declared non-working days are paid rest days unless they coincide with the employee's weekly rest day.
When employees are required to perform work on a legally recognized holiday, the applicable Labour Code provisions govern compensation.
Employees and employers should distinguish between holidays that remain fixed and those officially transferred under Law No. 139-97. A transferred holiday is observed on its designated replacement date, not automatically on both dates.
For specific payroll arrangements, shift work or exceptional services, employers should consult the Labour Code and relevant Ministry of Labour guidance.
Long Weekends in Dominican Republic in 2026
Several public holidays create extended weekends in 2026. The following examples assume a standard Saturday-Sunday weekend.
- Three Kings' Day: Saturday, 3 January through Monday, 5 January.
- Juan Pablo Duarte's Birthday: Saturday, 24 January through Monday, 26 January.
- Independence Day: Friday, 27 February through Sunday, 1 March.
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April through Sunday, 5 April.
- Labour Day: Saturday, 2 May through Monday, 4 May.
- Constitution Day: Saturday, 7 November through Monday, 9 November.
- Christmas: Friday, 25 December through Sunday, 27 December.
Other holidays, including Our Lady of Altagracia, Corpus Christi and Our Lady of Mercy, fall in the middle of the working week. Employees who wish to extend these breaks may request annual leave, subject to employer approval.
Restoration Day falls on Sunday, 16 August and does not create an additional Monday public holiday.
Are Banks, Schools and Government Offices Closed on Public Holidays?
Government Offices
Government offices generally suspend ordinary operations on legally recognized nationwide public holidays. Essential services and public institutions with special operating requirements may continue providing services.
Banks and Financial Institutions
Bank branches may close or operate special schedules during public holidays. The precise arrangements are determined by financial institutions and applicable regulatory instructions.
Customers should confirm branch opening hours and payment-processing schedules before planning banking transactions.
Schools and Universities
Schools and universities generally observe applicable national public holidays, although academic calendars and examination arrangements may be determined separately by educational institutions and authorities.
Private Businesses
Some private businesses, including restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and transport providers, may remain open during national holidays.
Employees required to work during legally recognized holidays remain subject to the applicable employment and compensation provisions.
Regional Holidays and Local Celebrations
In addition to national public holidays, the Dominican Republic celebrates local patron saint festivals, municipal anniversaries and regional cultural events.
These occasions may be important within particular communities but should not automatically be classified as nationwide public holidays.
The official Ministry of Labour calendar identifies the national public holidays applicable throughout the country. Local celebrations and institution-specific closures should be checked separately with the relevant authorities.
For a nationwide holiday database, only dates confirmed as nationally applicable should be included in the principal schedule.
Who Announces Official Public Holidays in Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Labour is the principal authority responsible for communicating the official annual public holiday schedule.
The ministry applies Law No. 139-97 when determining which public holidays are transferred to Mondays and which remain on their original dates.
The official 2026 holiday calendar was published on 5 November 2025 through the government's Presidency portal.
Additional ministry announcements may clarify individual holidays during the year. In 2026, the government reiterated the applicable arrangements for Labour Day, Corpus Christi and Restoration Day.
For accurate planning, employers, employees and visitors should use the ministry's latest official announcement rather than relying exclusively on general commercial calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the next public holiday in Dominican Republic?
The next public holiday depends on the current date. The Next Public Holiday in Dominican Republic section near the top of this page displays the upcoming holiday from the VisaBoards database.
What is the Dominican Republic's country code?
The Dominican Republic's ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code is DO.
How many public holidays are there in Dominican Republic in 2026?
The Dominican Republic has 12 confirmed nationwide public holidays in 2026. This includes three holidays transferred to Mondays under Law No. 139-97 and nine holidays remaining on their scheduled dates.
When is Independence Day in Dominican Republic in 2026?
Independence Day falls on Friday, 27 February 2026. It commemorates the Dominican Republic's declaration of independence from Haiti in 1844.
When is Three Kings' Day observed in 2026?
Three Kings' Day is traditionally celebrated on 6 January, but the official 2026 public holiday was transferred to Monday, 5 January.
When is Good Friday in Dominican Republic in 2026?
Good Friday falls on Friday, 3 April 2026. It is an immovable religious public holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
When is Labour Day observed in Dominican Republic in 2026?
Labour Day is commemorated on 1 May, but the official 2026 public holiday was transferred to Monday, 4 May. Friday, 1 May remained a regular working day.
Is Restoration Day moved to Monday in 2026?
No. Restoration Day falls on Sunday, 16 August 2026 and remains on that date. The Ministry of Labour confirmed that Monday, 17 August was not an additional public holiday.
When is Constitution Day observed in 2026?
Constitution Day commemorates 6 November 1844, but the 2026 public holiday was officially transferred to Monday, 9 November.
Why are some public holidays moved to Mondays?
Law No. 139-97 allows certain public holidays to be transferred to Mondays to consolidate rest periods. Some holidays, including Independence Day, Good Friday and Restoration Day, remain fixed under the applicable legal rules.
Official Sources for Public Holidays in Dominican Republic
- Ministry of Labour – Official Public Holidays Calendar 2026: Published on 5 November 2025, this is the primary government announcement confirming all 12 nationwide public holidays and the applicable transfer dates.
- Ministry of Labour – Labour Day 2026 Announcement: Confirms that the 1 May anniversary remained a working day and that the public holiday was observed on Monday, 4 May.
- Ministry of Labour – Corpus Christi 2026 Announcement: Confirms that Thursday, 4 June remained the official non-working holiday without transfer.
- Ministry of Labour – Restoration Day 2026 Announcement: Confirms that Sunday, 16 August remained the official holiday and was not moved to Monday.
For employment arrangements, official holiday transfers and working-day requirements, the Ministry of Labour's announcements and applicable national legislation should take precedence over unofficial holiday calendars.
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