Arts and Culture of Punta Cana - Festivals, Museums, and History

The blend of European, African, and native Taino Indian heritage in Punta Cana shines through in its festivals, religion, food, and arts. You’ll find a cosmopolitan mix of culture, from colorful Caribbean dance festivals and traditional markets to plantation-house museums and modern art galleries.

Colorful art, ancient artifacts

 

Punta Cana is a colorful place, and this is depicted in its art, whether it's displayed on the walls of your hotel room or showcased in a local gallery. The museums are home to ancient artifacts and give an insight into the lives of the region's inhabitants over the centuries.

 

PUNTACANA Art Gallery

 

Featuring contemporary Caribbean works from more than 20 artists, this gallery was founded by the Puntacana Foundation.

 

Puntacana Resort & Club.  

 

Altos de Chavón

 

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Chavón River, this artists village is a reproduction of a 16th-century Spanish colonial settlement. Lantern-lit cobbled pathways lead to shops, bars, restaurants, studios, and art galleries.

 

La Romana, Dominican Republic.  

Museums and history

 

Punta Cana is a relatively new tourist destination that has transformed from a dense jungle to a beach sanctuary in just over 4 decades. While its history is brief, its surrounding areas are rich in history, and there are many museums to learn about local explorers and legends - as well as Dominican chocolate.

 

House Museum of Ponce de León

 

Built by the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León 500 years ago, this palace is now a museum exhibiting his personal belongings.

 

Estrada Entre San Rafael de Yuma, Higüey.  

 

ChocoMuseo

 

You can take a tour of the chocolate museum and learn about the ""bean to bar"" process in the factory. No visit is complete without sampling the chocolate treats or taking part in a chocolate-making workshop.

 

Avenida, Bárcelo, Bávaro.  

 

Festival fever

 

Festivals are the best way to soak up Punta Cana’s culture and traditions, and meet the locals. Learn to dance the tango or the merengue, sample savory local cuisine, or take part in a lively street parade.

 

Punta Cana Carnival

 

This vibrant festival, which takes place each March in Punta Cana Village, features a parade of carnival groups from all over the Dominican Republic. Flamboyant costumes, traditional dancing, and live music will have you dancing along.

 

 

 

Punta Cana Wine and Food Festival

 

This event features chef demonstrations and classes where you can learn about the region’s culinary specialties. Discover how to make casabe (flatbread made from cassava flour) or sample local rum.