Semana Santa, Holy Week or Easter as we more commonly know it is the biggest annual holiday by far in the Dominican Republic. This is the time of year when Dominican families and friends get together for the long weekend to live life to the full as only Dominicans know how. Don't be surprised if your hotel gets a little busy at that time, particularly on the east coast in Bavaro and Punta Cana, and on the north coast in Cofresi, Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada, Sosua and Cabarete. This year Good Friday is on the 22nd of April and so you will begin to see hotels and beaches get a little busier from Friday until Sunday afternoon. For those of you out there wanting to book tours, trips or excursions, it is important for you to know that generally these will NOT be running from Thursday until Sunday for safety reasons. At this time of the year the roads are busy and a little hectic, and because the beaches are busier and people are drinking and having fun, motorized and organized excursions both on the land and the ocean are generally prohibited. If you are planning an activity during this time period, make sure you do so early to avoid disappointment due to either excursion and tour companies being closed, or space very limited. BOOK EARLY!!!