Thousands of devotees are preparing to celebrate the Day of the Virgin of Altagracia this coming Sunday, January 21st. Traditionally, they make a pilgrimage to the Basílica in the Eastern City of Higuey to fulfill promises made in prayer to the Virgin, who is revered as the Dominican Patron Saint. Some 10,000 pilgrims, including President Hipólito Mejía, will visit the sanctuary in Higuey and the government is spending some RD$2.3 million in repairs to the Basilica, resurfacing its parking lot, and installing new directional signs.
