Religion & Superstition

The Dominican Republic is officially Catholic — about 60% of the population adheres to the Roman Catholic Church. Evangelical and Pentecostal congregations, however, are growing rapidly and now make up an estimated 20–25%. The rest is divided among other Christian denominations and non-religious people.

Beneath the surface of Christianity, there exists a layer of folk religious practices that trace back to African and Taíno roots. The Dominican variant is called Vudú dominicano (not to be confused with Haitian Voodoo, although there are overlaps) and manifests in:

• Botanicas: Stores selling candles, herbs, saint figures, amulets, and “Limpias" (ritual cleansings). Found in every city
• Gagá: Afro-Dominican processions during Easter (Semana Santa), especially in the Bateyes (sugarcane settlements). Drumming, dancing, costumes — a mix of carnival and religious ritual
• Los Misterios/21 Divisiones: A system of spirits (Lwa) associated with Catholic saints. Archangel Michael, the Virgin of Altagracia, and San Santiago are particularly revered
• Mal de Ojo (evil eye): Widespread belief that envy can poison the gaze — especially for babies. Blue beads and Azabache bracelets protect against it

The Virgen de la Altagracia (Virgin of the Highest Grace) is the patron saint of the country. Her shrine in Higüey (near Punta Cana) is the most important pilgrimage site — on January 21 (Día de la Altagracia), hundreds of thousands make the pilgrimage there. The modern basilica (1972) with its curved concrete form is architecturally remarkable.