Easter Week: Citizen response to ban on massive beach parties

To guarantee the security and tranquility of families during Easter Week, the Joint Task Force has announced the prohibition of massive public and private parties at beaches and resorts.

The measure seeks to avoid disorder and allow these spaces for relaxation and family coexistence.

This decision has generated divided opinions among the population.

Some citizens consider that the restriction affects their recreational possibilities during vacation days.

“I don’t think this is right because one has to work on those days and one has to have a little chance to at least bathe in the river,” said Anthony Méndez.

Holy Week on beaches (External source)

Susana Campusano added: “I do not support that, it is something traditional.” On the other hand, some agree with the prohibition because they consider Holy Week a time for reflection and spiritual approach.

“That’s fine because those days are to be in recollection,” commented Santos Aquino.

Sosa Abreu expressed his support, saying, “It is good that it was implemented, because human beings like to roam, and I think it is better to have respect and be with family.”

Also, some people have pointed out that in recent years, Holy Week has been seen by many as a holiday similar to Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, losing its original meaning.

“There are many people who have taken Holy Week as if it is New Year’s and Christmas Eve, and that is not so,” stressed Mara Acosta.

Why the prohibition of massive parties on beaches during Easter Week?

Easter Week on beaches (External source)

This provision contributes to protecting the community welfare of the populations with beaches and spas and preserving the safety of local and foreign visitors who take advantage of the season to visit tourist attractions.

The authorities recalled that the celebration of Holy Week has a broad religious significance for many of the Dominican people, so it will always be better for sanity and restraint to prevail in all public spaces.

They explained, however, that as part of the special Easter Week operation, preventive patrolling and intelligence work will be intensified throughout the national territory, with special emphasis on beaches, rivers, spas, and residential and commercial areas.

Additionally, in coordination with the Emergency Operations Center (COE), relief agencies and State security entities will deploy a comprehensive protection plan to protect citizens who travel to different parts of the country during this period.

(External source)