An interesting sight in the nation’s second-largest city, Santiago de los Caballeros, is the outcome of the yearly tradition of decorating entire barrios and residential areas with Nativity scenes. El Caribe newspaper gives the highlights in a recent feature.
This year, it is apparent that the barrios are using an ecologically-friendly approach as many decorations feature recycled materials. Pastoral scenes of Christmas spirit are built of wood from cargo pallets and plastic bottles are a feature of this year’s “My barrio is Christmas Program.”
One of the most decorated of the barrios, Los Ciruelitos, located in the northern part of the city, is promoting typical Dominican traditions attached to the spiritual side of Christmas.
Another street is focusing on the Christmas tradition of street stalls that sell apples and grapes for the Christmas table.
Residents have spent around two months planning and decorating their streets for the holiday season.
And, yes, there is competition, and there are prizes. Streets that have competed for over five years now (some for as many as 40 years) vie for a top prize of RD$175,000. It is worth the effort, and it is worth a visit if you are in the area.
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El Caribe
11 December 2023