Origin & history
The devotion to Our Lady of Altagracia dates back to the early 16th century. According to tradition, a painting of the Virgin Mary with the Christ child, attributed to Spanish artist Alonso de NarvĂĄez, was brought to the Dominican Republic. The image, featuring Mary adoring the newborn Jesus against a starry background, disappeared from a church and was later found in an orange tree in HigĂŒey, where a shrine was built. The first recorded celebration occurred in 1616 after a Spanish army victory attributed to her intercession. In 1922, Pope Benedict XV declared her the patron saint of the Dominican Republic, and the feast became a national holiday in 1930.
Customs & traditions
The celebration begins on January 20 with a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in HigĂŒey, where thousands of devotees walk for hours to attend a midnight mass. On January 21, the main feast day, a solemn mass is held, often led by the archbishop, followed by processions carrying the image of the Virgin through the streets. Locals wear traditional attire and participate in cultural events such as music, dancing, and folkloric performances. Traditional foods include 'locrio de huevos' (egg rice) and 'pasteles en hoja' (leaf-wrapped tamales), as well as sweets like 'dulce de leche' and 'habichuelas con dulce' (sweet bean dessert).
Why it is celebrated
Our Lady of Altagracia symbolizes the deep Catholic faith and national identity of the Dominican people. She is revered as a protector and miracle worker, with many attributing the country's preservation from natural disasters and political turmoil to her intercession. The holiday unites Dominicans in devotion and cultural pride, reinforcing family ties and community bonds through shared religious and festive practices.