Dominican Republic: Explore Dominican Culture

Exploring Dominican Culture

The Dominican Republic has a variety of landscapes, from deserts to alpine forests in the central mountains. Discover the highest mountain and deepest valley in the Caribbean, as well as rainforests, deserts, and white sand beaches! Dominican culture is a mixture of the cultures of Spaniard colonists, African slaves, and Taíno natives. European, African, and Taíno cultural elements are most prominent in Dominican food, family structure, religion, and music.

Dominicans are welcoming people with a great sense of humor who are happy to share all the things they consider to be muy dominicano. Dominicans are very fond of dancing to merengue and bachata. Merengue is the musical genre most often associated with the Dominican Republic and has been part of the Dominican musical repertoire since the mid-19th century. Dominicans often go out to dance or organize parties in their homes, where dancing is the main activity.

Study abroad in the Dominican Republic Host a Dominican student in the U.S.

A serene street in Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Family Dynamic

Most Dominicans consider the family to be the basic element of society. Families are very close, and they stay close. It is not unusual to find grandparents living at home, fully integrated in the life of the family. Many young people stay living with their parents, even after entering college or becoming financially independent. They usually will not leave the home until they get married, and even then, they will try to remain close to their parents geographically. Dominican families tend to be conservative, caring, and protective.

Teenage Life in the Dominican Republic

Dominican teenagers devote much of their time during the week to homework. In Dominican culture, teenagers are encouraged to develop a strong work ethic and to become frugal and independent. A large emphasis is placed on education as a way of attaining these attributes. On weekends, teenagers enjoy getting together with friends, going to movies or dancing, relaxing in local cafes, attending sporting events, or just hanging out in the town square. Dominican teenagers tend to socialize in groups, beginning around age thirteen and fourteen.

Arzobispo Merino street. Santo domingo. Flag of the Dominican Republic on the wall of a building in the colonial zone

Official Language

The main language spoken in the Dominican Republic is Spanish.

Dominican Communication Styles

Dominican people are generally warm, friendly, direct, and eager to speak about their families. Personal questions about one’s children and age are not considered rude. Public displays of affection are quite common. Dominicans are expressive and speak loudly and quickly in conversation. They often use facial expressions and body language to convey their point. In Dominican culture, people generally prefer to stand close to one another while speaking. Eye contact is also important in Dominican culture to show interest and demonstrate trust.

Meal in Dominican Republic - fried cheese with mangu (mashed plantains)

The Dominican Diet

In the Dominican Republic, you’ll find a wide range of foods incorporated into meals, such as meat, seafood, grains, vegetables, and corn, which is native to the island. Recipes in the Dominican Republic are known for their rich flavors, reflecting the rich history of the island. Common food seasonings include garlic and spicy peppers. As a former Spanish colony, you’ll find traits of traditional Spanish cuisine are still present on the island, often with a twist. African and Taino recipes are still prevalent throughout Dominican culture as well.

A Traditional Dominican breakfast or dinner dish is called mangú, a savory puree made of mashed plantains, yucca or auyama, and traditionally served with fried red onions, fried white cheese, eggs or salami. For lunch, Dominicans often eat la Bandera Dominicana (the Dominican Flag) which consists of white rice, bean stew (black, red or white) and meat.

Seasonal fruits include pawpaw (papaya), mango, passion fruit, sugar apple, star apple, guineps (a small, round fruit with jelly-like flesh), guava, limes, tamarind, oranges, grapefruit, and watermelon. In Dominican culture, bananas and plantains are eaten all throughout the year.

Dominican Republic

Merengue, cultural variety, and natural wonders