Custom Search

Dominican Republic Culture

Understanding various details in the Dominican culture

The interesting changes in the Dominican Republic culture have been mostly caused by influence from other countries throughout the history.

Whether you are visiting or planning a longer trip, you will find that there are many aspects of the nation which are going to be quite fascinating to you. The more you know about this beautiful country, the better your experience will be, so keep a few things regarding the culture in mind.  

When you are meeting with someone for the first time, a handshake with direct eye contact is appropriate. If you are invited to a Dominican's home, it is considered polite to bring a present, such a chocolates or pastries. Always avoid gifts that are colored black or purple as they are considered mourning colors. When going out, make sure that you dress well, though you may be surprised to note that you do not have to be too timely; being fifteen to thirty minutes late is still considered being on time. 

Remember that meals are served "family style" and always make sure that your hands are visible.

If you want to make a good impression, you can say some words and phrases in Spanish - the official language. 

That will make anyone notice you put effort in to learning some of it. For example: Buenos Dias (Good Morning), Buenas Tardes (Good Afternoon), Hola (Hello), Gracias (thank you), Por favor (please), No entiendo (I don't understand), Adios (Bye), Bien (fine), Cuanto (How much), Un momento (a moment), Por supuesto (of course), Derecha (Right), Izquierda (Left).

Learn about the Dominican slang

There are a variety of religions present in the Dominican Republic culture. The population is more than 95% Christian, with 88% of the people being Roman Catholic and 4% being Protestant. Because of some immigration and mission efforts, those of the Spiritist, Buddhist, Islamic, and Ba'hai faiths may be seen as well. During World War II, Jews fleeing from Europe settled in the Dominican Republic and founded the city of Sosua Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic is widely credited for the creation of the merengue, and it was largely Dominican musicians who made this lively dance music so famous in the United States. Bachata has also grown in popularity over the years, and in many cases, it focuses on bitterness of human experience, which leads to many calling it by the original name of amargue, which means “bitterness.”

Dominican rap has become a particularly wide spread genre as well, and takes influence from hip-hop influenced beats. 

This country has the second most players in the Major League Baseball, and some of the game's best players have been from this country. Dominican Republic baseball is, without a doubt, one of the most popular sports in the Dominican Republic culture, and following close after is boxing. The Dominican Republic has produced some of the most famous boxers, including Joan Guzman and Juan Carlos Payano.

Custom Search