Our Lady of Altagracia in Dominican Republic ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Our Lady of Altagracia in Dominican Republic and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
The Virgin of Altagracia is a painting of the Virgin Mary venerated by devotees in the Dominican Republic. It is the country’s patroness and its most popular religious icon. The original painting is attributed to the 15th century Spanish artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. It is housed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in Higüey, the site of a major Marian pilgrimage.
The image depicts the Virgin Mary as she appeared to a young Dominican shepherdess named Mencia. In the apparition, Mary asked Mencia to build a church in her honor. The Virgin of Altagracia is often associated with the story of Mencia’s miraculous healing from blindness.
Devotion to the Virgin of Altagracia has been a central part of Dominican religious life for centuries. The basilica in Higüey is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Americas. Every year, thousands of pilgrims flock to the basilica to pay homage to the Virgin Mary.
The Virgin of Altagracia is also a symbol of Dominican national identity. She is celebrated in art, music, and literature, and her image is ubiquitous throughout the country. The Virgin of Altagracia is a source of strength and inspiration for Dominicans, and her cult remains an important part of Dominican culture.