Dominican Republic
Cradle of merengue and paradisiacal beaches.
Cradle of merengue and paradisiacal beaches.
Culture:
History: Sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, the Dominican Republic is known for being the first European settlement in the Americas. Its independence from Haiti is celebrated on February 27th.
Economy: The Dominican economy is based on tourism, agriculture (particularly cocoa and coffee), and remittances.
Music: Merengue and bachata are emblematic genres of Dominican culture.
Food: Dishes like sancocho, mangú, and arroz con habichuelas are part of the daily diet.
Traditions: Patron saint festivals, Carnival, and Restoration Day celebrations are important.
Influential Figures in the U.S.:
Oscar de la Renta: World-renowned Dominican fashion designer.
Junot Díaz: A Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Díaz’s works have given voice to the Hispanic immigrant experience in the U.S.
Dr. Rafael Lantigua : A physician who focuses on healthcare for the elderly, Dr. Lantigua has worked extensively to improve health services for the Hispanic population in New York City.
Adriano Espaillat : The first Dominican-American to serve in the U.S. Congress, Espaillat has worked on immigration reform and healthcare access for Latinos.
