Most visitors to Punta Cana never hear about it, but every January the Dominican Republic's biggest pilgrimage happens 45 minutes from the resorts. On January 21, people from every corner of the country, and many who live abroad, travel to Higüey to visit Our Lady of Altagracia. Many walk for days.
When is Día de la Altagracia 2027?#
Thursday, January 21, 2027. It's a national holiday in the Dominican Republic. The pilgrims arrive over the days before; the night of January 20 is a vigil, and on the 21st there are masses from early morning through the day.
Who is Our Lady of Altagracia#
The Virgin of Altagracia is the patron saint of the Dominican Republic. Her image, a small painting of Mary with the infant Jesus, came from Spain in the early years of the colony and has been venerated in Higüey for centuries. Dominicans at home and abroad pray to her, and you'll see her picture in homes, taxis and corner stores across the country.
The basilica#
The Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia is hard to miss: a modern concrete church with a soaring arch, completed in the second half of the 20th century, which looks like nothing else in the country. The image of the Virgin is kept behind glass above the altar, and on the feast day the line to pass in front of her goes out the door.
A few blocks away is the Iglesia de San Dionisio, the old church where the image was kept for centuries before the basilica was built. It's small, quiet and worth seeing.
What the day is like#
- The days before: pilgrims arrive on foot, by bus and in the back of trucks, from all over the country. The roads into Higüey fill up.
- The night of January 20: a vigil, with the basilica and its grounds full of people praying, singing and waiting.
- January 21: masses from early morning, a procession, and the streets around the basilica full of stalls selling candles, rosaries and pictures of the Virgin.
It's a religious day, not a show. Visitors are welcome, and the welcome is real, but the people around you are there to pray.
How to visit respectfully#
- Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered.
- Go early on the 21st, before the biggest crowds and the heat.
- Keep quiet during mass and ask before photographing anyone up close.
- Expect heavy traffic on the road from Punta Cana; leave early and allow plenty of time to come back.
- Mind your belongings in the crowd.
| When | Thu, Jan 21, 2027 (vigil the night of Jan 20) |
|---|---|
| Where | Basílica Catedral, Higüey |
| From Punta Cana | About 45 minutes (much longer on the day) |
| Dress | Shoulders and knees covered |
Visiting on another day#
The rest of the year, Higüey is a short trip from the resorts and a good half-day out: the basilica, the Iglesia de San Dionisio and a real Dominican town with its market and its food. It pairs well with a day away from the resort: Punta Cana beyond the resorts. More ideas: things to do in Punta Cana. The next big date in the Dominican calendar: Independence Day, February 27.
Go with someone from here#
The Altagracia means something different to every Dominican family, and the best way to understand it is with someone whose grandmother made the walk. Local Friends in Punta Cana are locals you message directly on Roavi. More about the area: the Punta Cana city guide.
Visit Higüey with someone from Punta Cana.
Meet Local Friends in Punta CanaEvery big festival and holiday worldwide, month by month, with the dates: the Roavi world events calendar.
Altagracia closes the Dominican Christmas season; here is how the season itself is celebrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Día de la Altagracia 2027?
Thursday, January 21, 2027. It's a national holiday in the Dominican Republic. The pilgrimage builds over the days before, with a vigil on the night of January 20.How far is Higüey from Punta Cana?
About 45 minutes by car from Punta Cana and Bávaro, depending on where you're staying. On January 21 itself, allow much longer: the roads into Higüey are full of pilgrims.Can tourists visit the basilica in Higüey?
Yes, on the feast day and the rest of the year. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, keep your voice down during mass and ask before photographing people at prayer.Who is the Virgin of Altagracia?
The patron saint of the Dominican Republic. Her image, a small painting brought from Spain in the early years of the colony, is kept in the basilica in Higüey, and Dominicans across the country and abroad pray to her.Is everything closed on January 21?
It's a national holiday, so government offices, banks and many shops close. Resorts, restaurants in tourist areas and most tourist services keep working.
