Religion

More than 90 percent of Dominicans practice Roman Catholicism, the official religion of the Dominican Republic [1]. However, it is not as strictly adhered to today as it once was. And few practice a pure form of Catholicism. Instead they often practice the symbolic gestures of it.

Folk religions and beliefs are practiced (as is Vodou), but they often are in more closed circles and private spheres since they are berated as “evil.” Curanderos are a kind of folk healer that many seek out for healing herbs and incantations for the purpose of healing. At many open markets, you will see various herbs and candles being sold for just this purpose.

During World War II, a few Jewish families were invited by Trujillo to immigrate to the North Coast [2]. They were given land to farm and stayed for a short while, but after suffering anti-Semitic ridicule, many left after a few years. Some 20 families remain and maintain a synagogue in the town of Sosúa [3].