? re: Independence Day

[danagos]

My S/O & I are planning our first visit to DR (POP) towards the last week of Feb. I am curious as to what to expect over the Independence Day Holiday. Is it like the US? Here, if it falls mid-week, that day is an official holiday. Most businesses, except Restaurant/Bar/Tourist businesses, are closed. Most folks take add'l days off to attach a weekend. Good time to visit? Or would the crowds be overwhelming? Thanks in advance for any responses.Dan

 

["The Tourist Watcher"]

Since February 27, 2002 falls on a Wednesday, and religious and historical holidays are usually celebrated on the same day, it holds as an official holiday, unless decreed by the government, which has been known to change holidays in the middle of the stream. Except for the Malecon by the sea, where festivities are held, the capital city and most large cities are not very crowded as people go out of town to resorts, where the crowds will be. But Wednesday is a bad day for a holiday anyway, so consider it normal. Many shops close, others won't. For Santo Domingo at night on holidays is a treasure because traffic is better than ususal.