Greetings
Greetings are essential for connecting with other people in the Dominican Republic. Handshakes and hugs are the most widely-used forms of greeting, but different specific customs govern when and how to greet someone in the Dominican Republic.
There are rules to follow for people of different genders, ages, and social statuses, and understanding these customs can help you better handle Dominican culture.
Handshake
The handshake is the most common form of greeting in the Dominican Republic, even more than a hug or a kiss. Handshakes are two-handed and should last approximately five to 10 seconds. The hands should be pressed together firmly but not too tight, as this is seen as overbearing and uncouth. After shaking hands, people will often briefly hold each other’s hands and linger before letting go.
Contrary to more reserved cultures, it is not unusual for Dominicans to have very long handshakes, sometimes lasting minutes at a time – but this is usually reserved for situations involving men and women of the same sex. When saying goodbye, the same rules for a handshake apply, and you may even incorporate an additional pat on their shoulder or back to show your appreciation.
In formal situations, when somebody of higher status or authority offers their hand first, it’s considered polite to bow slightly or nod your head as a sign of respect.
Kissing on the Cheek
Kissing on the cheek is a form of greeting in the Dominican Republic and is generally accepted in social and business environments. When two people meet for the first time, they usually exchange a hug and two kisses – once on each cheek.
When three people greet each other, there is a more complicated sequence of greeting – a hug followed by three kisses (right-left-right). If more than three people are present, they usually stand and hug each other in an arch pattern, followed by kisses from left to right. Men may shake hands instead of kissing when meeting each other for the first time.
In general, kissing on the cheek as a form of greeting is typical between acquaintances but not between strangers. However, in some places, such as smaller towns and rural areas, citizens may exchange kisses between friends or handshakes with someone of their gender upon first meeting them as an act of familiarity or respect.
Respect for Elders
In the Dominican Republic, respect for elders is of the utmost importance, and conversation often begins with a greeting. It’s considered impolite to address anyone older than you by his or her first name, so use titles such as “Señor,” “Señora,” or “Don” before their names. Extended family members may also be addressed as “Tío” (uncle) or “Tía” (aunt).
In any introduction or interaction, shake hands with all present and maintain direct eye contact when speaking. A brief head bow is an acceptable gesture of humility and respect. Handshakes should be gentle but firm and last no more than three seconds – a lingering handshake may signify an inappropriate relationship between parties. The traditional Spanish word for hello is a brief but cordial handshake accompanied by the word “Buenos días,” meaning “Good day.”
If seated, rise to acknowledge newcomers in a sign of respect if they are senior in age or rank to you. When entering someone’s house, it’s polite to begin kissing one another on both cheeks. However, this casual display of affection often depends on your familiarity and relationship with the person(s). If meeting children or younger people for the first time, it isn’t necessary to greet them in this manner unless they initiate.
Language
The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. However, some locals also speak English due to the tourism industry. Therefore, knowing basic Spanish will help you to converse with locals, which is important when you want to be respectful and understand the country’s cultural customs and etiquette.
Spanish as the Official Language
Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic. Nearly all Dominicans can communicate in Spanish, and many can speak English, making it a great tourist destination for travelers from around the globe. It is common courtesy to attempt to speak Spanish when visiting as a show of respect while understanding that non-native speakers may require help or guidance in communication.
In addition to Spanish, many Dominicans speak Haitian Creole, a French-based Creole language related to the language used by French citizens during colonial times. In addition, English and French are spoken among members of the upper-class elites and urban populations, although government bodies do not officially recognize these languages.
Regardless of the language spoken within each region or home, people generally understand and converse with one another using their dialects – a mixture of Spanish and other given languages – which can often be difficult for an outsider to decipher correctly. As such, it is recommended that travelers be respectful when visiting and practice their languages as best they can before attempting any communication in either local dialects or regional variations of basic Spanish words.
English is Widely Spoken
Even though Spanish is the national language of the Dominican Republic, English is widely spoken in many tourist spots and within larger cities. It is especially true in places frequented by tourists and younger generations who frequently seek work in the hospitality industry. Moreover, with many American travelers going to different parts of the country, most educated Dominicans are well-versed in basic English.
In addition to English, French and German are often heard from locals and travelers alike. Unfortunately, these languages don’t extend far outside hotel units or local tourist spots; instead, they’re usually confined to conversations between bilingual natives or language students. However, even with minimal knowledge, you can communicate your needs effectively. Knowing a few key phrases in Spanish can be helpful, too; it shows your respect for their culture and provides chances to learn more about local customs.
Respect for Local Dialects
The Dominican Republic is multilingual, with English and Spanish as the two official languages. Additionally, many local dialects of Spanish are spoken across the region, which reflects the cultural heritage of people living in different areas. For example, in some parts of the country, you might hear dialects such as creole-patwa or marabou spoken.
It is important to be aware and respectful of these local dialects; this demonstrates cultural sensitivity when interacting with locals and shows appreciation for their language. For example, when conversing with people whose first language is not Spanish, ask if they can understand your Spanish or if they would prefer you converse in English. Similarly, when visiting places where locals speak one of the local dialects, it’s polite to attempt to communicate your message using phrases from their language and standard Spanish.
Not only is this indicative of an understanding of cultural norms, but it will also likely result in more friendly interactions with locals due to your attempts at speaking their language respectfully and accurately – finally ending in a better understanding overall.
Religion
Religion plays a vital role in Dominican Republic culture and tradition. The island nation is predominantly Catholic, though Protestantism is also rising. Animism and Santeria, a combination of African and Roman Catholic beliefs, are also widely practiced in the Dominican Republic. The religious organizations form the backbone of the local communities and strongly impact Dominicans’ everyday lives.
Catholicism is the Main Religion
The Dominican Republic is one of the most Catholic countries in Latin America and is 87% Roman Catholic according to census data from 2010. The main religion has strong ties to Spanish colonial heritage, and the church, supported by a monastery and parish church buildings, is often one the oldest structures in many communities. As a result, Catholicism remains a powerful force in all aspects of life, social behavior, values, and culture.
In religious self-identification or practice, there are variations between members of different economic groups and social classes. For example, Catholics from a higher socio-economic status who received a more extensive education tend to be more ceremonial than non-observant. However, elderly citizens from lower socio-economic backgrounds often display religious solid convictions but practice less frequent events such as Mass attendance or regional pilgrimages.
The evangelical Protestant ranks have grown over recent decades and represent nearly 7% of the population, with Pentecostalism being the largest branch. There are smaller numbers that identify with the following:
- Judaism (995 people)
- Buddhism (325)
- Islam (269)
- Hinduism (62)
- Other religions
- No declared religious affiliation (less than 1%)
Respect for Other Religions
The Dominican Republic is a predominantly Catholic country, but there is a growing presence of other faiths, including Protestantism, the Jewish faith, and the Muslim faith. Even though Catholicism is the prominent religion practiced in the Dominican Republic, citizens are respectful and tolerant of those who may follow different belief systems.
Several festivals are dedicated to many religions to keep the tradition alive and practice religious unity. One example is Feria del Libro (Book Fair), which celebrates major religious holidays from different cultures in the Dominican Republic. Although predominantly Catholic holidays like Christmas and Easter dominate the festivities, Jewish faith holidays such as Pesach (Passover holiday) and Hanukah (Festival of Lights) are also acknowledged during Feria del Libro.
As with any country in the world, some people may be more devout to their chosen religion than others; but that should never stand in the way of respect for one another that comes from embracing differences in beliefs. The Dominican Republic strives to provide these opportunities for all its citizens, regardless of their chosen ideologies – a specific type of Christianity, Judaism, or Islam – to practice their beliefs freely without any criticism or persecution from fellow citizens or neighbors who practice different faiths.
Religious Holidays
Religion is an important part of life in the Dominican Republic, and numerous national holidays are celebrated throughout the year, most of which are based on the Christian calendar. The two most widely celebrated religious holidays in the Dominican Republic are Easter and Christmas, but you will also find vibrant festivities for other holidays.
Some of the main religious holidays observed by the Dominican Republic include:
- Christmas (Navidad): Celebrated on December 25th and commemorates Jesus’ birth with many traditional customs and decorations.
- Good Friday (Viernes Santo): The Friday before Easter Sunday, which remembers Jesus’ death on the cross, typically marked by processions or outdoor plays recreating Christ’s Passion.
- Easter Celebration (Domingo de Ramos): When Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem on a donkey, typically celebrated with large parades and family picnics.
- All Saints Day (Día de los Santos Inocentes o Difuntos): This is an opportunity to honor family members who have passed away one day after All Souls’ Day.
- Brazil Carnival: During February or March every year in Barahona, this celebration takes its roots in Brazil and marks Mardi Gras with music and food-eating contests involving Comida tipica, such as chicken sancocho stew.
Eating Habits
Eating is an important part of Dominican Republic culture as it is a way to share food, stories, and experiences. Dominican cuisine mixes African, Spanish, and French influences, like all Caribbean cuisines. Meals are usually large, such as the famous La Bandera Dominicana, which consists of rice, beans, vegetables, and meat.
Here we will explore the different eating habits, customs, and etiquette around food in the Dominican Republic:
Traditional Meals
The cuisine of the Dominican Republic showcases a unique fusion of Spanish, Creole, African, Taino and French influences. A typical traditional meal served on special occasions includes soups, salads, main dishes, and desserts. In rural areas, people consume more carbohydrate-rich foods than protein-rich foods.
Soups: Sancocho (meat stew) and Sopa de Mondongo (tripe soup) are popular in the Dominican Republic and eaten throughout Latin America.
Salads: A variety of fresh salads are usually an integral part of any traditional meal in the DR, with some commonly found ingredients being lettuce, tomato, avocado, and watercress, to name a few.
Main Dishes: Rice is the staple food of the Dominican Republic and is often accompanied by various beans like habichuelas (pink beans) or gandules (rice cooked with pigeon peas). Meat dishes such as roasted chicken, pork, or beef are also regularly consumed among Dominicans. Other popular items include eggs cooked differently, like revueltos (scrambled), tortillas, or fried plantains.
Desserts: Flan is one of the most common desserts found in households all over DR, with other common sweet treats being arroz con leche (rice pudding), Helados de Maiz (sweet corn ice cream), and tembleque (coconut pudding).
Table Manners
The Dominican Republic has a few customs to keep in mind regarding table manners. Always keep your hands above the table and avoid waving them around throughout the meal. At the start of a meal, take a few minutes to compliment the food and thank your host for an enjoyable evening.
In addition, it is polite to:
- Wait until everyone at the table has been served before tasting your food, and make sure to leave some space between bites.
- Do not speak while your mouth is full.
- Contribute conversationally by asking questions or giving compliments.
- Finish your food as a sign of respect; however, do not stuff yourself, as this can be seen as impolite.
- If you cannot finish all of what was served, eat slowly until you feel satisfied before excusing yourself from the table.
- Try not to sip drinks through meals as this may distract from conversations and make people uncomfortable with their food consumption—wait until after everyone has finished before taking sips from beverages.
Respect for Food
Food is an important part of social interaction in the Dominican Republic. Dining etiquette is observed, and meals are seen as the ideal environment for strengthening connections with family and friends. Respect for food is shown through careful preparation of local ingredients and presentation, pleasant conversation at the table, and eating slowly and enjoying each bite.
Meal times are structured leisurely and involve up to 3-4 courses, depending on the occasion. Dominican people pride themselves in knowing how to prepare ample amounts of delicious food—traditional dishes may include:
- Plantains
- Rice
- Beans
- Chicken or beef dishes
- Stews
- Salads
- Other unique traditional salads
It is polite to finish everything you have been served. However, if you cannot eat it all, then it is acceptable to leave a small amount on your plate; wasting food is not respectful or condoned by Dominican people, so make sure whatever you do not eat goes back into the operating kitchen so that it can be reused at a later time.
Eating should be done without being too noisy or creating chaos with utensils at the table, as this can be seen as disrespectful behavior.
Clothing
In the Dominican Republic, it’s essential to dress appropriately and conservatively. Generally, shorts and tank tops are unacceptable in public places, although they may be accepted in some tourist areas.
Men should wear trousers and a shirt, while women should opt for trousers or a dress that covers their shoulders, knees, and other areas of the body considered inappropriate to reveal.
Respect for Local Customs
Dress codes are still strictly enforced in the Dominican Republic. Appropriately dressed is considered a sign of respect for the local customs and culture.
Men should wear long-sleeved, collared shirts and dark trousers when traveling to any other areas outside resort zones or for attending job interviews or church services. Women should dress modestly in loose clothing that does not show too much skin or cleavage. Denim pants and skirts are acceptable in some restaurants and nightclubs, but beachwear is typically suitable only on the beach.
During religious ceremonies, it is important to ensure that your attire is not overly revealing, such as wearing knee-length shorts, as this could be seen as disrespectful to the local customs and culture. In addition, it is also frowned upon to wear white clothing besides wedding dresses or decorative clothing during Holy Week (the week before Easter). Wearing black can indicate mourning, so unless specified by the church, it should be avoided during religious ceremonies.
Dress Code
Even though clothing tastes vary by region and often reflect the socio-economic status of people, there is a certain level of modesty expected in traditional Dominican Republic clothing. It is generally considered inappropriate to wear revealing or extremely casual clothes in public. It is even more important in rural areas to be more conservative and dress respectfully.
Most Dominicans dress up for formal events like church functions, parties, or other religious occasions. Women typically wear long skirts or dresses that cover the knees with blouses that cover the shoulders and arms. Men usually wear dress pants with a collared shirt or traditional guayaberas – a type of long shirt with pockets and multiple pleats in front.
You may find shorts and t-shirts acceptable for casual public outings in more urban areas. However, people often use this opportunity to express their style and personality by accessorizing with jewelry, hats, and another flair – especially on the beach! Both men and women will also often use the opportunity to show off the latest trends in fashion, depending on the occasion.
Appropriate Clothing
Clothing standards in the Dominican Republic reflect its laid-back, relaxed culture. When visiting, casual attire is acceptable for most scenarios. Dress codes are generally a bit more flexible than in other Caribbean nations. Even for upscale restaurants and social occasions, beachwear is usually accepted as long as it’s clean and not ripped or torn.
On hot days, shorts and t-shirts are perfect for outings. Flip-flops are also acceptable but should be of quality material with a sturdy sole to protect the feet from sharp stones or glass found on the beach or other locations. Women can also find quality sundresses that have a conservative feel while maintaining comfort and style in warm weather.
For evening activities such as company events or upscale dining, it’s best to dress slightly more formally. For women, cocktail dresses would be an appropriate choice paired with low-heeled sandals or fancy flats; jeans should not substitute for an evening out unless the invitation host requests. Men should keep dress to resort business casual – slacks and collared shirts paired with loafers or dress shoes will ensure they look respectable while still feeling comfortable. Even though the tropical climate may lend itself to short-sleeved shirts and sandals all year long, men should avoid wearing either until the summer season and prevent any shirts with large logos when dressing up in public spaces such as restaurants or shows.
Social Customs
The Dominican Republic, located in the Caribbean, is a diverse and vibrant country with many cultural customs and etiquette.
Greetings are important in the Dominican culture, and it’s expected that you greet people with a warm, friendly handshake when meeting them. Eye contact is also considered to be respectful in social settings.
Other social customs in the Dominican Republic include respecting one’s elders and refraining from public displays of affection. Let’s take a closer look at some of the Dominican Republic’s social customs and etiquette:
Respect for Personal Space
Though the Dominican Republic is composed of many different ethnicities and cultures, certain commonalities regarding social customs and etiquette can be seen across the population. An important one to note is the importance of respect for personal space. Physical contact – like hand-holding, back-patting, or brushing arms – should be reserved for close friends and family.
If you’re out in public and come across a familiar face, you are generally expected to acknowledge rather than embrace that person.
In conversation, people often stand close together but refrain from touching one another. Likewise, maintain an appropriate distance when speaking with someone new, and don’t let yourself be pulled into physical contact – it could make the other person feel uncomfortable or disrespected. Seniority is also relatively well respected; if you speak with someone older, it’s essential to listen closely and show deference where appropriate.
If invited into a local home, always take off your shoes before entering and try not to bring too many outsiders in with you; instead, rely on whoever invited you as a point of contact inside the home so that you can maintain an appropriate level of respect on both sides. Finally, exercise caution around topics like government control – political discussion is sometimes avoided at social functions because opinions vary greatly among people from different backgrounds!
Gift-giving Etiquette
Gift-giving etiquette in the Dominican Republic is influenced by Latin culture. When invited to a person’s home, bringing your host a small gift is expected. Flowers, good quality chocolates, or wine are good options. It is considered polite to refuse the gift at first; however, after some polite conversation, you may be asked to give it over, and it should be accepted graciously.
If invited out for dinner, flowers and chocolates are appropriate gifts for the host. As with all Latin cultures, the reciprocation of dinners or invitations is expected and highly appreciated. Handshakes and light hugs among friends and family members are standard greetings among men and women in the Dominican Republic. However, gifts are usually only given between close family members on occasions such as holidays, graduations, or births.
Monetary gifts are often presented in small amounts at weddings or christenings instead of other tangible items; a cake should always accompany a monetary gift!
Respect for Local Customs
The people of the Dominican Republic are proud of their culture, and it is important to demonstrate respect when interacting with locals. Therefore, it is expected that visitors will dress modestly in public. It includes covering shoulders and knees for women. As with many other Caribbean countries, there can be a relaxed attitude towards time-keeping. Exhibiting patience and understanding can help maintain positive relations with people you meet during your stay.
In addition to dressing conservatively, another important way to show respect for local customs is by being aware of the language. Knowing some Spanish will go a long way when visiting. However, locals often appreciate it if people try even just a few key phrases in Spanish. Finally, interacting positively with community members and showing an interest in the Dominican culture can help make your experience more positive.
For most social situations, friendly conversation and respect are paramount. Common topics include family, travel experiences, music, and sports – though the most important thing is to be respectful towards local customs at all times. Asking questions about their beliefs or ways of life politely shows an appreciation for the culture. In addition, it helps create meaningful connections with people you meet while visiting the Dominican Republic.