Virgen de la Altagracia
Definition
A title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary, patron saint of the Dominican Republic, associated with a miraculous image that appeared in the 16th century.
The subject of a major annual feast day on January 21, celebrated with processions, music, and devotion across the Dominican Republic and its diaspora.
Examples
En Higüey, la Virgen de la Altagracia atrae a miles que bailan merengue rezando por un milagro en el tráfico.
In Higüey, the Virgin of Altagracia draws thousands who dance merengue while praying for a traffic miracle.
Mi abuela jura que la Virgen de la Altagracia le arregló el novio perfecto después de una novena con café y ron.
My grandma swears the Virgin of Altagracia fixed her the perfect boyfriend after a novena with coffee and rum.
El día de la Virgen de la Altagracia, hasta los peloteros dominicanos pausan el béisbol para pedir jonrones bendecidos.
On the Virgin of Altagracia's day, even Dominican baseball players pause the game to pray for blessed home runs.
La Virgen de la Altagracia es la única que puede hacer que un dominicano llegue puntual a misa... o casi.
The Virgin of Altagracia is the only one who can make a Dominican arrive on time to mass... or almost.