The 2026 Easter recreational camps return to the Dominican Republic under the leadership of Minister Kelvin Cruz. This initiative by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation will be deployed in 18 provinces from Holy Thursday until Easter Sunday, offering safe recreation options during the holiday.
At an event with civil, military, and sports authorities, Kelvin Cruz emphasized that the 2026 Easter recreational camps seek to position sports as a national priority. “We want everyone, wherever they are, to have the opportunity for healthy recreation,” declared the official, highlighting the preventive focus for a prudent holiday.
The 2026 Easter recreational camps will operate in 25 strategic locations, covering tourist areas and busy communities. Technical Vice Minister Fernando Teruel detailed key locations such as Jarabacoa, the La Vega sports complex, La Ciénaga and Capotillo in the National District, Boca Chica in Santo Domingo, Parque del Este, and Pedro Brand.
Provinces included in the camp network
- Pedernales, Barahona, and Monte Plata.
- El Seibo, San Cristóbal, Moca, and San Pedro de Macorís.
- Samaná, San Juan de la Maguana, Montecristi, La Romana, Nagua, and La Altagracia.
- Independencia, Puerto Plata, and support for the Hato Mayor–Vicentillo Sports Festival.
Activities include 3×3 basketball, beach volleyball, soccer, boxing, softball, chess, dominoes, sack races, and traditional sand games. Each site will have trained recreation leaders, coaches, and monitors.
Institutional support and historical context
The operation receives backing from the Emergency Operations Center (COE), led by Major General Juan Manuel Méndez, Civil Defense, National Police, Politur, the 9-1-1 System, and local authorities. Present were Colonel Juan Pablo Vallejo from Politur, Major Francisco Valdés Peña from Traffic, Vice Ministers Kennedy Vargas and Fernando Teruel, in addition to provincial directors and members of the Dominican Sports Hall of Fame.
Historically, these 2026 Easter recreational camps had disappeared from the national calendar for years, and their relaunch by Kelvin Cruz responds to the need for healthy alternatives given the high flow of vacationers. In past editions, similar initiatives reduced incidents during holidays, according to Miderec data, promoting discipline and family unity in a context where sports prevent social risks.
Expected impact on communities
Recreation experts highlight that the 2026 Easter recreational camps will foster inclusion in vulnerable areas such as Capotillo and Boca Chica, the main traditional camp. With specialized personnel, orderly and safe development is guaranteed for thousands of participants.
Minister Kelvin Cruz reiterates that the 2026 Easter recreational camps strengthen the Dominican sports radar, ensuring accessible and preventive recreation for all.