Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia Precedes Tribute to Dominican Independence Pioneer
On 25 January 2026, Dominican Republic Ambassador to South Africa Erika Alvarez Rodriguez hosted a special event commemorating Juan Pablo Duarte, the Founding Father of the Dominican Republic. The gathering followed a Holy Mass earlier that day in Pretoria, held in observance of the Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia, the revered Patroness of the Dominican people, celebrated annually on 21 January.
Juan Pablo Duarte (1813–1876), widely regarded as the foremost architect of Dominican independence, founded the secret society La Trinitaria in 1838 to resist Haitian occupation and secure national sovereignty. His nationalist vision, inspired by liberal ideals from his European studies, culminated in the proclamation of independence on 27 February 1844. Revered as a hero, writer, and activist, Duarte’s legacy of freedom, morality, and patriotism continues to inspire Dominicans worldwide.
The event underscored strong cultural ties and bilateral friendship between the Dominican Republic and South Africa.
