Quick Answer
The DR is a deeply Catholic country with a growing evangelical Protestant movement. English-language Catholic and Protestant services exist in Santo Domingo, Cabarete, and Las Terrenas. Other faiths (Jewish, Muslim, Hindu) have small but established communities in Santo Domingo. Religion is woven into Dominican daily life, culture, and social norms in ways that affect all expats regardless of personal belief.
The Religious Landscape
The Dominican Republic is constitutionally secular but culturally Catholic. Around 57% of Dominicans identify as Catholic and the church's presence is felt in public holidays, cultural ceremonies, naming traditions, and the moral framework that shapes social life. A further 23% identify as evangelical or born-again Protestant, a community that has grown dramatically since the 1980s and is particularly strong in rural and lower-income areas.
Faith is not a private matter for most Dominicans. It is discussed openly, expressed publicly, and forms a significant part of social bonding. As an expat, understanding this context, regardless of your own beliefs, helps you navigate relationships and cultural moments more effectively.
Roman Catholic
The dominant faith. Historic churches in every town, major role in national holidays and ceremonies. Mass in Spanish everywhere. English-language Catholic services available in Santo Domingo, Cabarete, and tourist areas. The cathedral in the Zona Colonial is the oldest in the Americas.
Evangelical Protestant
Pentecostal, Baptist, Assembly of God, and charismatic churches are extremely active across the DR. Services are lively, music-driven, and often multi-hour affairs. English-language evangelical congregations exist in Santo Domingo and some expat areas.
Anglican / Episcopal
The Episcopal Church (Iglesia Episcopal Dominicana) has a presence in Santo Domingo and a few other towns. Services are sometimes in English or bilingual. Popular with English-speaking expats from the Caribbean and North America.
Judaism
A small Jewish community exists in Santo Domingo with a synagogue. Sosua has historical significance as the settlement point of Jewish refugees from Europe in the 1940s, though the active community there is now very small. Shabbat services and High Holy Day observances happen in SD.
Islam
A small Muslim community, primarily of Middle Eastern and converted Dominican heritage, exists in Santo Domingo. A mosque and Islamic centre operate in the capital. Outside Santo Domingo, Muslim community infrastructure is essentially absent.
Non-religious / secular
Around 18% of Dominicans identify as non-religious. In expat communities particularly in Cabarete and Las Terrenas, secular social life is easy to maintain. The cultural presence of religion is unavoidable but it does not require participation. Social situations around faith (baptisms, funerals, festivals) are navigated easily with respectful engagement.
How Faith Shapes Daily Life
Even non-religious expats encounter Dominican faith culture regularly. Here is what to expect:
- Public holidays: Many national holidays are Catholic feast days. Semana Santa (Holy Week before Easter) sees the entire country slow down significantly. Banks, government offices, and many businesses close for multiple days.
- Greetings and expressions: "Dios te bendiga" (God bless you) and "Si Dios quiere" (God willing) are everyday expressions, not statements of intense religiosity. Use them back without overthinking it.
- Social events: Baptisms, first communions, weddings, and quinceañeras (15th birthday celebrations) are major social events where you may be invited as a neighbour or friend. Attending is a gesture of respect regardless of faith.
- Business and reliability: "Si Dios quiere" is also sometimes used as a soft form of non-commitment. "I will be there at 3pm, si Dios quiere" may mean "probably." Context matters.
- Sunday rhythm: Sundays are still significantly shaped by church culture. Many local businesses close or open late. Family lunch after church is a national institution.
The week before Easter is the biggest holiday period in the DR. Schools, government offices, and many businesses close from Thursday to Sunday. Beaches fill with Dominican vacationers. Alcohol sales are restricted in some areas on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Plan grocery shopping and travel around this if you arrive during this period.
English-Language Services by Region
- Santo Domingo: Several Catholic parishes offer English Mass including Christ the King Parish. Episcopal services at Catedral Episcopal de la Epifania. Some evangelical congregations have English or bilingual services.
- Cabarete: Informal English-speaking Christian fellowship groups meet regularly. Ask in expat Facebook groups for current meeting details as these change with the expat population.
- Las Terrenas: Small international Christian community with occasional English services. Catholic Mass available in Spanish daily. Ask the expat community for current English service information.
- Punta Cana / Cap Cana: Some resort area churches offer English or multilingual services catering to the international community and tourists.
- Outside these areas: English-language religious services are rare. Spanish-language services of all denominations are available in every town.
The quickest way to find current English-language services or international faith communities is through expat Facebook groups specific to your region. These communities change and the Facebook group will have the most current information. Introduce yourself and ask directly, the DR expat community is helpful.