Is the carnival free?

Yes — parades and street celebrations are completely free. Some VIP stands in Higüey charge an entry fee.

Is it safe for families?

Yes — daytime parades are family-friendly. Evening afterparties are 18+.

How do I get to Higüey from Bávaro?

40-minute taxi or private transfer (~$50 each way). Many resorts run organized excursions.

Punta Cana Events

Punta Cana Carnival

Dominican Carnival comes to the east coast every February

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Overview

Dominican Carnival is one of the Caribbean's most colourful festivals — every Sunday in February culminating in a grand parade around February 27 (Independence Day). In Punta Cana, the celebration centers on Higüey and Bávaro: thousands of dancers in elaborate diablo cojuelo costumes, live merengue and gagá bands, and street food stalls everywhere. It's family-friendly by day and a full street party by night.

When

Every Sunday in February, with the main parade on the last weekend (around Feb 26–27). The Higüey parade is the biggest in the east.

Where

Higüey (largest parade), Bávaro main strip, and many resorts host on-site mini-carnivals.

What to expect

●Diablo cojuelo dancers with horned masks and bell-covered costumes.
●Live merengue, bachata and traditional gagá bands.
●Street food: chimi (Dominican burger), yaroa, fresh coconut.
●Family-friendly daytime parades from 2pm.
●Adult-only afterparties from 8pm in Bávaro clubs.

Tips for visitors

✦Bring cash — most carnival vendors don't take cards.
✦Wear sunscreen and a hat for the daytime parade.
✦Carnival dancers carry inflated bladders to playfully whack onlookers — it's tradition!
✦Pair carnival with a Sunday Saona Island morning, then drive 40 min to Higüey for the parade.