Día de la Altagracia in Dominican Republic
Día de la Altagracia is a holiday in Dominican Republic.
When is Día de la Altagracia in Dominican Republic
Día de la Altagracia is celebrated on 21, January, 2023 in Dominican Republic.
About Día de la Altagracia in Dominican Republic
Día de la Altagracia is a national holiday in the Dominican Republic that is celebrated on January 21st every year. It is a day that is dedicated to the country’s patron saint, Our Lady of Altagracia.
The holiday is deeply rooted in the country’s Catholic heritage and is celebrated with religious processions, masses, and feasts. The celebrations are centered around the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, a church located in the city of Higüey, which is considered to be one of the most important religious sites in the country.
During the celebrations, many Dominicans make a pilgrimage to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia to pay their respects to the patron saint and to pray for blessings and protection for their families and loved ones. The church is adorned with flowers and candles, and many people bring offerings such as candles, rosaries, and other religious items.
The holiday is also an occasion for family gatherings and feasting, with traditional Dominican dishes such as sancocho and arroz con pollo being served. It is a time for people to come together to celebrate their faith and their culture, and to give thanks for the blessings in their lives.
History of Día de la Altagracia in Dominican Republic
Día de la Altagracia is a national holiday in the Dominican Republic that is celebrated every year on January 21st. It is a day to honor the country’s patron saint, Our Lady of Altagracia.
The history of the holiday dates back to the 16th century when a Spanish merchant named Gonzalo de Rojas was traveling through the island of Hispaniola, which is now the Dominican Republic and Haiti. He was carrying a painting of the Virgin Mary, which he had acquired in Spain.
One day, while crossing a river, the painting fell into the water and was lost. Gonzalo was devastated and prayed to the Virgin Mary for help. The next day, he found the painting floating in the river, undamaged.
Gonzalo took this as a sign of the Virgin Mary’s protection and decided to build a chapel in her honor. The chapel became a place of pilgrimage, and over time, the Virgin Mary became known as Our Lady of Altagracia.
The holiday became official in 1922 when Pope Pius XI declared Our Lady of Altagracia the patroness of the Dominican Republic. Since then, the holiday has been celebrated with religious processions, feasts, and other festivities.
Today, Día de la Altagracia is an important cultural and religious holiday in the Dominican Republic, and it is celebrated by people of all backgrounds and religions. It is a time to honor the country’s history, traditions, and faith.
How is Día de la Altagracia celebrated in Dominican Republic
Día de la Altagracia is one of the most important religious holidays in the Dominican Republic, celebrated on January 21st every year. It is a day to honor the patron saint of the country, Our Lady of Altagracia.
The celebration begins with a mass at the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia in Higüey, a town in the eastern part of the country. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the country make their way to the basilica to attend the mass and pay their respects to the Virgin Mary.
After the mass, there are parades, music, and dancing in the streets. Many people also visit family and friends, and there are traditional Dominican foods and drinks served, such as sancocho (a meat and vegetable stew), empanadas (meat-filled pastries), and mamajuana (a local alcoholic drink made with rum, red wine, and honey).
Throughout the day, there are also various religious ceremonies and processions, including the carrying of the Virgin Mary statue through the streets. The day is a time of reflection, prayer, and celebration for many Dominicans, and it is a significant part of the country’s cultural heritage.
Dates
Día de la Altagracia will be celebrated in Dominican Republic on 2023-01-21 2024-01-21 2025-01-21 2026-01-21 2027-01-21 in the comming years.