Our Lady of Altagracia (Dominican Republic)
Our Lady of Altagracia is a revered representation of the Virgin Mary in the Dominican Republic, celebrated annually on January 21. This day is recognized as a public holiday, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual significance of the Virgin Mary in Dominican society. The roots of her veneration trace back to the early Spanish settlements established after Christopher Columbus's arrival in 1492, marking the beginning of Christian missionary efforts in the region. A notable portrait of Our Lady of Altagracia, brought from Spain in 1502, became a cherished symbol, particularly after the establishment of a shrine in Higuey in 1572. The artwork depicts the Virgin Mary in the colors of the Dominican flag, reinforcing her connection to the nation. A pivotal moment in her history occurred during the Battle of Sabana in 1691, when Dominican troops honored her by offering their weapons at the site of the Higuey Basilica, which was consecrated in 1971 and serves as a major pilgrimage destination. Today, the feast day is marked by church services, festivities, and various local celebrations, showcasing the enduring devotion of the Dominican people to Our Lady of Altagracia.
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Our Lady of Altagracia (Dominican Republic)
Our Lady of Altagracia (Dominican Republic)
The Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia, celebrated on January 21 of every year, is a public holiday in the Dominican Republic, on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Our Lady of Altagracia is the Dominican representation of the Virgin Mary, one of several Marian representations in the Latin American world.
After Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Hispaniola in 1492, Spanish settlements were built there, and the New World's first major churches. It was from this region that the first Christian missionaries spread out to preach their faith to the native peoples. The Virgin Mary has always been an important part of Christian worship, and the portrait of Our Lady of Altagracia was a treasured symbol of the faith. One of these portraits had been brought to the Dominican Republic from Spain in 1502 by the brothers Alfonso and Antonio Trejo. They took the painting with them when they moved to the city of Higuey, where a shrine for its veneration was completed in 1572. The portrait, painted in the late 15th or early 16th century, features the Blessed Mother looking down lovingly on the baby Jesus, who is lying in a straw manger. She wears the colors of the Dominican flag, thereby contributing to the painting's close identification with the nation.
On January 21, 1691, the Virgin's local manifestation as the Lady of Altagracia received a special honor when Dominican troops who had defeated the French in the Battle of Sabana offered up their weapons to the Lady. They did so at Higuey, where the Higuey Basilica, consecrated in 1971, is a special center of veneration to her. Today the people of the Dominican Republic continue to honor her on January 21, with special church services, festivities, and local celebrations throughout the country.