Santo Domingo – January 21st marks one of the most significant cultural and religious observances in the Dominican Republic as the nation commemorates the Day of Our Lady of Altagracia. This annual celebration brings together thousands of devotees who journey to the Basilica Cathedral in Higüey, La Altagracia province, for a series of religious ceremonies, mass gatherings, and spiritual pilgrimages that beautifully intertwine faith with national heritage.
The veneration of Our Lady of Altagracia represents a centuries-old tradition dating to the early colonial era in the 16th century, when her sacred image was first brought from Spain to the eastern territories of the Dominican Republic. The revered artwork, portraying the Virgin Mary in adoration of the infant Jesus, has evolved into a powerful national emblem representing divine protection, collective hope, and social cohesion throughout pivotal historical periods.
Transcending its purely religious significance, this festivity demonstrates the profound interconnection between Catholic customs and Dominican cultural identity. Officially designated as the nation’s spiritual patron, Our Lady of Altagracia receives annual homage from the highest levels of government including the President, public officials, various institutions, and multigenerational families, collectively reinforcing her enduring symbolism as a unifying force of tradition, faith, and national pride.