The Dominican Republic has no state religion and has historically been religiously tolerant. Currently, almost ninety percent of the population is Catholic, and the religious influence in the culture is hard to miss. For example, the central plaza of Puerto Plata is bordered by a cultural center and city hall, but is clearly dominated by and constructed around an old, beautiful Catholic church. In fact, the country is named after its capital city and patron saint, Santo Domingo (Saint Dominic), the founder of the Dominican religious order.
As we sat in the plaza in the afternoon on Thursday, we noticed businesses closing early and more and more people gathering. We asked the locals, and apparently it was the Dia de la Virgen de Altagracia (the day of the Virgin of Highest Grace). Celebrating the patroness of the Dominican people, it is one of the most important religious holidays in the Dominican Republic. It was nice to see families and friends coming together to celebrate a day that has both religious and national significance.
We look forward to touring more historical churches and understanding the Catholic faith's shaping role in Dominican culture.
SWC
