Wednesday, 24 September, is the day the Dominican Republic remembers Our Lady of Mercy, an iteration of the Mother of Christ. Our Lady of Mercy is considered a patron of the Dominican Republic.
Those interested in religious culture can participate in the celebrations that are centered in Santo Cerro in central La Vega province. It is especially important for motorists travelling the Duarte Highway to be vigilant during the evening and night hours of 23 September, because many people will be walking the highway on a pilgrimage to the church at the top of the Santo Cerro.
In Dominican folklore, the story goes that Spanish troops were under attack by a large force of Taino Indians, and prayed to the Virgin to prolong the day so that they could finish the battle before reinforcements arrived for the Taino forces.
Law 139-97 consecrates the day as a holiday, no matter what day of the week it falls on.
According to the official description, the day is a holiday because of its religious and historical relevance.
For those who can take Thursday and Friday off, the falling of the holiday on a Wednesday makes for a very long vacation period.
23 September 2025