Followers of the tradition of “gagá” were seen active across many areas of the Dominican Republic during the Holy Week festivities. Those who follow this cultural and religious tradition usually dress up in bright colors, play instruments said to have originated in Africa, and sing and dance as they walk long distances as part of their tradition. One such group started in Hato Mayor, to the north of San Pedro de Macoris, and travelled several dozen kilometers in their pilgrimage, as reported in Listin Diario.
Alcohol, songs and the accompanying music draw the attention of hundreds of onlookers. Many of those that partake in the ceremonies identify themselves as descendants of Haitian sugarcane workers, and, in fact most gagá ceremonial processions originate in the bateys, the sugar cane worker barrios.
The entire process is strongly identified with the passion, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Due to the boisterous nature of these processions (accompanied by the alcohol), authorities in San Pedro de Marcoris had prohibited the celebration of gagá in the southeastern city. This safety measure was later revoked after public outcry.
Historians, sociologists and anthropologists often question why there are so few manifestations of this quasi-African popular culture. The answer is rather complex, but the short version is that most Dominicans prefer to identify with the dominant European-based culture, and, therefore, have made such manifestations subordinated to the “standard” European-based, as reported in Listin Diario.
Read more in Spanish:
Listin Diario
18 April 2022