Día de la Altagracia in the Dominican Republic

January 21st
Día de la Altagracia, or Altagracia Day, is a day commemorating "Our Lady of Altagracia", patronal image (there is debate on this) and protector of the people of the Dominican Republic.

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It is a feast day and annual public holiday on January 21. "Our Lady of Altagracia" is a portrait of the Virgin Mary painted in the 16th century. The portrait is kept in The Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in the city of  Salvaleón de Higüey.

The festival was originally held on August 15, but was moved to January 21 to celebrate victory over the French in 1690. Patron saint of Dominican Republic.

Many Dominicans start dedicating rituals to their protector in January 12 with novenas, finishing with Masses, prayers, chants, cheers, requests and, above all, a pilgrimage to Higuey with salves and drums. 

Facts: 

• 3 out of 10 women in the Dominican Republic are named after the Virgin 
• The name ¨Altagracia¨means high grace, meaning that it carries the higher grace ever given to a human for being the mother of the son of god. 
• The painting became an icon, every single color and element showed in it has a meaning. 
• It is also, one of the few paintings in the world that has been printed in pure gold.