The DR Gringas Life

Las Mercedes Day Procession Sept. 24, 2008

The patron saint of Dominican Republic is Las Mercedes (their name for virgin Mary). this day most of the businesses are closed and most people make their way to the church. I am not Catholic so I do not know much of the customs of the Catholic religion but it is very interesting.

The day is celebrated by a pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Cerro atop a hill that is close to the city of La Vega. But those who cannot venture to La Vega go to their own church to notice this important religious day.

Here in Colonial Zone all head to the Iglesia y Convento de las Mercedes / The Church and Convent of Our Lady of

Mercy (more information about the church here.

I was waiting for the procession to start in front of the church. The people waiting to enter outside the church were all sort of solemn while just a few steps away it was almost a carnival type atmosphere with vendors selling ice cream and popcorn.

I got tired of waiting so I went home. Then about an hour later I heard the band in the street and got to view the procession from my own balcony.

This is the video I took. I tried to do some zooming in on the statue of Las Mercedes but just couldn't get close enough. Sorry for the camera movement. My video taking skills are not the best.

Labels: Colonial Zone, holiday, las mercedes, parade, parton saint, procession, religious

Independence Day February 27,2008

I know I haven't posted in a while. I have no excuse except to say I really didn't realize that it has been this long of a time. Sorry....

Anyhow,
Here are a few videos and pictures I took along the Malecon in Santo Domingo on Independence Day during the Military Parade. I use my digital camera for the videos. I don't have a real video camera (it's on the list...jejej). But at least you can get a feel about how the parade looked. Soon I will make a slide show of all the pictures I took that day but for now here is a sample.

I just love a man in uniform...

There are 12 pictures in this slide show

The Marine Band...

The Air Force Band...I think..

The Horse Riders

The acrobat Motor riders..I wish it was brighter and that I caught them doing their stunts. just pretend all that is here..jejej

Carnival videos next....

Labels: army, dominican republic malecon, marines, military, parade, santo domingo, video

New York Dominican Day Parade 2007

Sunday August 12 2007 is the big Dominican Republican Day Parade. This years parade on 6th Avenue from 36th Street to 62nd Street will be hosted by TV host Karina Larrauri. For the first time in the history of the parade it will be aired live on satellite from NYC to the DR. Television Dominicana which broadcasts on Dish Network channel 844 and 434 by way of Direct TV, will have live coverage of the parade from 2 to 4 P.M.
The New York Dominican Parade and “Fiesta” will be attended by an estimated 500,000 people. There will be lots of great Dominican food, music and cultural events. Our friends from Mabi Refresco will be there with their new product right behind the Goya Foods float.

So if you are in the area go enjoy the sights sounds and scents of the event. If you can't be in Dominican Republic at least during this parade you can pretend you are. Even if it is only for a few hours.
I wish I could join everyone! Enjoy!

A little more information..

Labels: dominican, Fiesta, New York, parade