President Luis Abinader has announced an expansive holiday relief and celebration package, dubbed “La Brisita Navideña” (The Little Christmas Breeze), which includes a massive cash bonus payout for government workers and digital stipends for over two million low-income families.
During the La Semanal press conference on Monday, 24 November 2025, President Abinader said the government is set to inject RD$34.45 billion into the economy through the “Regalía Pascual” (Christmas Bonus) to ensure all public servants receive their mandated holiday pay promptly in the first week of December.
Beyond the traditional government bonus, the social program is designed to deliver direct relief to an estimated 2.6 million low income people. The programs are broken down as:
Digital Bonuses: RD$1,500 digital vouchers that will be distributed via the Supérate program, impacting 1.4 million families.
Physical Card Bonuses: The Social Policy Cabinet will distribute physical debit cards with the same RD$1,500, reaching an additional 1.2 million people.
Both sets of payments are scheduled to begin on 4 December 2025, collectively benefiting approximately 2.6 million low-income recipients.
The Presidency also announced the unfolding of an overall holiday agenda, which runs from 29 November to 5 January 2026, and with cultural events, community meals, to boost Christmas spirit.
The extensive five-week program aims to strengthen the tradition of family gatherings and community sharing:
Villa Navidad: The popular, free “Villa Navidad” holiday village this year will take place at the gardens of the newly renovated Palacio de los Deportes in Santo Domingo starting 2 December and at the grounds of the Gran Teatro del Cibao in Santiago starting 3 December. The event, which reportedly attracted over 4 million visitors in 2024, features music, entertainment, and a festive atmosphere.
Music concerts: The Ministry of Culture will host six philharmonic concerts and a Big Band performance across various cities in December, alongside the “Fantasía de Navidad” theatre production. The National Handicraft Fair (12-14 December 2025) and the Long Night of Museums (12-14 December 2025) will also offer free access and guided tours.
Community Support: The “Navidad 360” program, managed by the Social Assistance Agency of the Presidency, announces these programs:
Meals: Over 15 million meal portions served through the “Cuchara de Esperanza” (Spoon of Hope) program.
Food Kits: 1.5 million raw food kits distributed to social organizations.
Housing & Goods: More than 25,000 families will receive household goods and appliances, and over 6,000 house roofs will be repaired nationwide.
To ensure low cost food products for all, the Abinader administration announced that nine agro-producer fairs are scheduled across the country throughout December, providing consumers with “all kinds of products, at the best price.” These fairs, alongside 30 existing producers’ markets, are designed to alleviate food costs for families.
Children’s Celebrations: The government also mentioned that it has organized special toy drives scheduled for 22 December in the capital city slum area of Capotillo and in low income areas in Santiago on 23 December. A prize will also be awarded to the neighborhood with the best Christmas decorations.
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Presidency
Diario Libre
Noticias SIN
Noticias SIN
25 November 2025