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Dominican Republic

Cradle of merengue and paradisiacal beaches.

Dominican Republic

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.

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