Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia – August 15th

The Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia, also known as Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia, is an important feast day in the Dominican Republic. It is celebrated on August 15th and honors the patron saint of the Dominican Republic.

The history of the Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia dates back to the early 16th century, when a statue of the Virgin Mary was brought to the island of Hispaniola by Spanish colonists. The statue was originally given to a Spanish captain who was traveling to the New World. Upon arriving in Hispaniola, the captain entrusted the statue to a Dominican family, the Rojas-Novoa family.

According to legend, the Rojas-Novoa family had a near-drowning experience while traveling by sea. They prayed to the statue of the Virgin Mary and miraculously, their ship was able to safely reach the island. In gratitude, the family built a small chapel in honor of Our Lady of Altagracia in their hometown of Higuey.

The Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia is now celebrated as a national holiday in the Dominican Republic. It is a day filled with religious ceremonies, processions, music, and traditional Dominican cuisine.

Many Dominicans make the pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in Higuey on this day. The basilica holds the original statue of the Virgin Mary, which is adorned with precious jewels. It is believed that the statue has miraculous healing powers and many visitors offer prayers and leave gifts in hopes of receiving blessings.

The celebrations for the Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia start the night before with a special mass and vigil. On the day of the feast, there is a grand procession where the statue of the Virgin Mary is carried through the streets of Higuey. The procession is accompanied by traditional Dominican music and dance, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

The Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia is not only an important religious holiday, but also a time for Dominicans to celebrate their culture and history. It is a time to gather with loved ones, attend mass, and honor the patron saint of the Dominican Republic.

This year, the Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia falls on August 15th.

The feast day honors the patron saint of the Dominican Republic, Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia.

The history of the feast dates back to the 16th century, when a statue of the Virgin Mary was brought to the island of Hispaniola by Spanish colonists.

The statue was entrusted to a Dominican family, who built a small chapel in Higuey in honor of Our Lady of Altagracia.

Many Dominicans make a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in Higuey on this day.

The basilica holds the original statue of the Virgin Mary, believed to have miraculous healing powers.

The celebrations for the feast include religious ceremonies, processions, music, and traditional Dominican cuisine.

The night before the feast, a special mass and vigil is held.

The day of the feast begins with a grand procession through the streets of Higuey, accompanied by music and dancing.

The Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia is not only a religious holiday, but also a celebration of Dominican culture and history.

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