Dominican Republic Heritage and Culture Month

Dominican Republic Heritage and Culture Month
-January 26 through February 27, 2010
















I was born in Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic, and have my family's summer house in Jarabacoa, providence of La Vega. I have a double citizenship (American & Dominican), and have I have been raised and living in New York City since I was 13 months old. It's a great honor to be both American and Dominican, and as such, I am proud to honor my native homeland during Dominican Heritage month in New York City.

New Yorkers recognize that the Dominican community has had a positive impact on life in New York State and America, and it continues to be a growing presence as Dominican Americans contribute significantly to many areas such as the arts, education, industry, science and community service; and the people of Dominican ancestry demonstrate a strong work ethic and tremendous perseverance that have enabled them to find success and to improve their own community as well as others, making New York State & City a better place for people of all backgrounds; and during this month-long observance, our Dominican communities host activities that promote awareness of their heritage through religious and patriotic celebrations such as the national observance of  “La Virgen de la Altagracia” (Our Lady of High-Grace), a special day of tribute to Juan Pablo Duarte – founding father of the Dominican Republic – and the 166th anniversary of Dominican independence which was officially attained on February 27, 1844 and, in doing so, they help reinforce the Empire State & City’s reputation as a cultural capital of the world and invite all people to join in recognizing their history, customs and good-will displayed throughout the year.

I believe it is fitting that New Yorkers join in this commemoration of ancestral pride and tradition, and extend appreciation to all of their Dominican friends and neighbors for the meaningful contributions they have made and continue to make daily to New York State & City and America.

In the Dominican Republic, “Patriotism Month” begins on January 26, commemorating the birth of Juan Pablo Duarte, a national hero, and ends on February 27 with Independence Day. It’s a month to celebrate Dominican heritage, heroes, history, music and culture. One of the most common celebrations is the Carnaval, the most famous one takes place in the northern city of La Vega, and every Sunday during February, the streets are lined with people eager to see the festive and creative customs paraded on by traditional Carnaval characters. Other traditional celebrations are the community marches that take place on Independence Day.

Washington Heights constitutes one of the largest Dominican settlements in New York and the United States. The Dominican community of Upper Manhattan (which grew to also include Inwood) grew steadily until the 1990s, when it exploded into a vibrant, established community and an economic, political, and cultural force.

The growth in the Dominican population of Washington Heights has unquestionably changed the neighborhood's physical, social, and political scenery. Dominicans have established unique social, religious, and community-based organizations to address the needs of the community. This community is also a diverse economic enclave for Dominicans with labor opportunities that range from street vendors to small business owners, especially grocery stores (bodegas), beauty parlors, gypsy cabs, restaurants, and travel agencies. As these businesses continue to grow, visible Spanish signs advertise their services throughout the neighborhood.

In New York City, there is a statue of Juan Pablo Duarte, one of the founders of the Dominican Republic located in a triangular paved area along Sixth Avenue between Canal and Grand, right near the entrance to the Holland Tunnel. Duarte’s statue is one of six commemorating historical figures from the Americas along the avenue from SoHo to Central Park. The statue was made by the Italian Nicola Arrighini. It is a gift of the Dominican Republic to the people of New York City. The statue of Duarte was dedicated on Jan. 26, 1978. Juan Antonio Paulino, founder of  the Instituto Duartiano, told C.C.N.Y. that the statue and the formation of the Instituto Duartiano were “my greatest contributions to the Dominican community in the City of New York."






















Also, in New Jersey, the bust of Juan Pablo Duarte was installed in Juan Pablo Duarte Park, located at 24th Street and Central Avenue in Union City, NJ, in the summer of 2004.

Let's Celebrate Dominican Pride and Culture!

Starting from when you read this and up until the 27 of February 2010, go visit Washington Heights or Inwood's uptown neighborhood restaurants & clubs, and have a Mamajuana or Presidente, and dance some Merengue. You can also visit your Dominican friend's house. Or better yet, hop on a flight to Santo Domingo or Santiago, Dominican Republic and experience one of the world's best carnivals and beaches. :-)

God bless you all, and enjoy your patriotism, nationalism and liberties in life!

God bless and keep America and the Dominican Republic.