The Dominican people have a Catholic tradition and one of its greatest religious manifestations is the festival that is celebrated throughout the country in homage to the Virgen de la Altagracia or Our Lady of Altagracia, Protective and Spiritual Mother of the Dominican Republic.
The celebrations in homage to the Virgin have already begun with novenas, masses, chants, waiting for the central date which is January 21, a day in which thousands of faithful mobilize from all over the country to his temple in Higuey in order to render him worship and favors.
The veneration for the Virgin of Altagracia dates back to the middle of the XNUMXth century both in present-day Santo Domingo and Higuey, but, according to historians, mass devotion began with the triumph of the Spanish on January 21, 1690 over the French invaders in the Battle of the Sabana Real.
The Spanish forces had asked the Virgin of Altagracia to help them win the battle, after grace was granted, the Spaniards held a great party in homage to the Virgin And from that day on, the entire Dominican people celebrate every January 21 the feast in homage to the Virgin of Altagracia.
The image of the virgin that stages the birth of Jesus in the manger in Bethlehem, is venerated in the Altagracia sanctuary, in the city of Salvaleón de Higuey. Thousands of faithful make pilgrimages from other cities in order to visit the Virgin, pay homage to her, redeem themselves and request divine grace for some family problem.
The sanctuary of Altagracia It is not only visited by the faithful Dominican devotees, but also by foreigners who share this religious festival full of faith and spirituality.