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On January 21, we celebrate the beloved patroness of the Dominican Republic, Our Lady of Altagracia. This special day is also known as "Dia de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia" and holds great significance for the people of this beautiful Caribbean country. According to legend, a young girl found a painting of the Virgin Mary in a cave in the early 16th century. Since then, she has been revered as a symbol of faith, hope, and love by the Dominican people. Today, thousands gather to participate in parades and religious ceremonies to honor Our Lady of Altagracia and her powerful presence in their lives. So let's join in on the festivities and celebrate this wonderful day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1500s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virgin Mary Invocation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dominican natives began invoking the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Altagracia, considered the spiritual mother of the Dominican Republic.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1520</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Oil Painting Depiction</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first known oil painting depicting Our Lady of Altagracia was allegedly created through miraculous events.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1569</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Church of Higuey</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Church of Higuey was built to serve as the first sanctuary devoted to Our Lady of Altagracia.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1971</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Official Papal Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Pope Paul VI declared Our Lady of Altagracia as the official spiritual mother of the Dominican Republic.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1972</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Basilica Cathedral Construction</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Basilica Cathedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia was constructed in Higuey, marking a significant pilgrimage site for devotees.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1992</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Papal Visit</div><div class='timeline-text'>Pope John Paul II visits the Basilica Cathedral, enhancing its status as a vital center of devotion to Our Lady of Altagracia.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a church dedicated to Our Lady of Altagracia</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to a church that is dedicated to Our Lady of Altagracia. This is a great way to learn more about the holiday and pay your respects to the patron saint of the Dominican Republic.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make traditional Dominican dishes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Cook up some traditional Dominican dishes to celebrate Our Lady of Altagracia. You can find recipes online and try your hand at making dishes like sancocho or mofongo.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade or festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities in the Dominican Republic have parades and festivals to celebrate Our Lady of Altagracia. Look for events happening near you and join in on the festivities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a floral offering</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In honor of Our Lady of Altagracia, create a floral offering to present at a church or shrine. This is a beautiful way to show your devotion and respect for the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about the history and significance of Our Lady of Altagracia</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn about the history and significance of Our Lady of Altagracia. This will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation for the holiday.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>She is a symbol of hope and protection</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Our Lady of Altagracia (also known as the Virgin Mary) is highly revered in the Dominican Republic and throughout Latin America. Many believers turn to her for guidance, strength, and protection in their daily lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Her feast day celebrates community and tradition</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>January 21st marks the feast day of Our Lady of Altagracia, and it is a time for families and communities to come together to celebrate their shared faith. It's a day filled with traditional music, food, and customs that have been passed down for generations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>She represents the intersection of religion and culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Our Lady of Altagracia holds significant meaning not just for devout Catholics, but also for those who are proud of their Dominican heritage. This holiday showcases the beauty and diversity of religious beliefs within the context of Dominican culture.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Our Lady of Altagracia is the Patroness of the Dominican Republic</h3><p class='facts-content'>Our Lady of Altagracia, or Virgen de la Altagracia, has been recognized as the "spiritual mother" of the Dominican Republic since the 16th century, passionately admired by its public.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The name Altagracia symbolizes "High Grace"</h3><p class='facts-content'>The term "Altagracia" in Spanish signifies "High Grace," fittingly displaying the high respect and endearment that Dominicans hold for their patroness.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Basilica Cathedral of Our Lady is a Landmark to This Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>There is a Basilica Cathedral in Higüey, Dominican Republic dedicated to Our Lady of Altagracia. It attracts pilgrims and tourists from around the world and serves as a cultural and spiritual symbol.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Miracle is Associated with Our Lady of Altagracia</h3><p class='facts-content'>It is said that an image of the Virgin Mary miraculously appeared on a piece of cloth when ordered by a merchant for his daughters in the 16th century. This is believed to be Our Lady of Altagracia.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Feast Day is a National Holiday</h3><p class='facts-content'>January 21st, as the feast day of Our Lady of Altagracia, is a national holiday in the Dominican Republic marked by religious ceremonies and public festivities.</p></div></div>
Our Lady of Altagracia is celebrated on January 21 every year. In 2024 Our Lady of Altagracia will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Jan 21
Saturday
2024
Jan 21
Sunday
2025
Jan 21
Tuesday
2026
Jan 21
Wednesday
2027
Jan 21
Thursday
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