San Gregorio de Yaguate
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Yaguate, officially San Gregorio de Yaguate, is a town in the San Cristóbal Province of the Dominican Republic. This quaint village is notable for its pre-Columbian and colonial history. The northwestern part of the municipality lies within the Máximo Gómez National Park and is also the site of the massive Valdesia Dam. As of the 2022 census, the population was recorded at 51,489.
The local economy has long been supported by the sugar industry, and Yaguate is acknowledged as the site of the first sugar mill established in the New World.
 |
| Urpirio Moreno M.Scs.,. |
San Gregorio de
Yaguate
Municipality
Country
Dominican republic flag large Dominican Republic
Region
Ozama
Santo Domingo sheld 102924
an Cristóbal Province
Area
121.81 km2 (47.03 sq mi)
Density
760 people per sq.km
1,968 per sq.mi
Zip code
91600
Elevation
55 m (180 ft.)
Distance to:
Baní:
22 km (14 mi.)
Santo Domingo:
34 km (21 mi.)
Population
51,489 (2022)
Yaguate welcome sign
Yaguate welcome sign 2
Yaguate welcome sign 3
Calle Luís Martínez
Contents
1 About
2 Etymolygy
3 History
3.1 Yaguate Ranch
3.1.1 Town of Yaguate
4 Geography
4.1 Topography
4.2 Demography
4.2.1 Locations
4.3 Climate
5 Economy
5.1 Shopping
5.2 Tourism
6 Infrastructure
6.1 Transportation
6.2 Education
6.3 Health
6.4 Utilities
7 Culture
7.1 Points of Interest
7.1.1 Cueva de la Mancha
7.1.2 Ingenio Italia
7.1.3 La Chivería Restaurant
7.1.4 Valdesia Dam
7.2 Religion
7.3 Heritage
8 Leisure and Recreation
References
About
Yaguate, situated at the former site of the village of Hato Yaguate, ranks among the oldest settlements in the San Cristóbal province. This small village holds significant importance due to its pre-Columbian and colonial heritage. Initially, it was referred to as Santa Cruz de Yaguate.
Yaguate is a charming and dynamic community. Guests can anticipate a warm hospitality, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage, which include notable caves and caverns that once provided shelter for the region's earliest inhabitants, alongside impressive stone formations sculpted by natural forces, nestled between mountain ranges and the sea. Like the rest of the Valdesia region, Yaguate is charactarized by its lush greenery, featuring extensive coffee and cocoa plantations, as well as scenic rivers and waterfalls. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the many hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities in the area.
The local cuisine is a highlight o
f any visit to Yaguate and Valdesia, with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Dominican dishes like mangú and sancocho being popular choices. Visitors can also enjoy lively music and dance performances, along with colorful festivals that celebrate the local culture.
Etymolygy
The term "Yaguate" is derived from "Yagua," signifying "upper bark of a plant." This nomenclature may be connected to the establishment of the first sugar mill in the New World at this location. It is possible that this mill was La Jagua Sugar Mill, which now lies in ruins. Presently, sugarcane continues to serve as a vital source of wealth for the village, alongside the cultivation of avocados.
San Gregorio de Yaguate
San Gregorio de Yaguate
History
Ingenio CAEI
Ingenio CAEI, in Viejo Yaguate
It is hard to pinpoint exactly when the first human settlements appeared in what is now the Municipality of Yaguate
. However, it is clear that the first Spanish settlers in the areas near the Nizao River were drawn to the favorable conditions for growing and producing sugar cane in that part of the Spanish Colony.
Sugar cane cultivation was the main and only reason for the establishment of the first human settlements in the Yaguate area at the beginning of the colonial period. The prized plant that had been introduced to the island of Hayti by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage in 1493 had found a suitable environment for its development.
On July 8, 1648, Captain Juan Tello de Guzmán established the Hato de Yaguate (English: Yaguate Ranch) along the western banks of the Nizao River. This ranch occupied the lands of Las Cuevas, Tío Lorenzo, Pujabante, Paimatía, Mana de Yaguate, Hatillo de Mana de Yaguate, and Hatillo de Boca de Mana, which Don Félix Reyes categorized as part of the Nigua Sugar Mills District, now part of San Cristóbal.
Captain Tello Guzmán is also reported to have been the proprietor of a ranch located in Pizarrete, as well as the owner of a sugar mill situated on the San Miguel de La Jagua estate, which is currently known as La Jagua in the Cabria area.
Bachelor Gonzalo de Velosa, a surgeon with keen scientific interests, is credited with the creation of the first powerful sugar mill, which operated using hydraulic power instead of relying on animal or human labor like the sugar mills of that era. The sugar mill, constructed a league and a half from the Nizao River by Bachelor Velosa and his two associates, represented a significant capitalist venture.
This innovative water mill, with its enhanced milling capacity, led to an increase in sugar production. Thus, it can be asserted, while remaining true to historical accuracy, that Yaguate was the site of a pivotal moment in the history of humanity as a whole.
Yaguate Ranch
The historical context of Yaguate, which began as a ranch rather than a sugar mill like San Cristóbal, highlights a significant social distinction that explains numerous events in the community's history. It is widely recognized that ranches primarily focused on livestock raising, in contrast to sugar mills that were oriented towards the cultivation of agricultural products with an agroindustrial purpose.
The latter often operated within a slave-based framework, allowing the growth of a different society.
Joaquín Sergio Incháustegui defined the Hato as “places where families lived whose main occupation was horse breeding and wood cutting.” While the sugar mill required a large amount of labor to operate properly, only a few people were available at the ranch to do the work of herding. The operation of the sugar mill required a massive use of slave labor, which consequently led to the concentration of black slaves and the emergence of the mulatto population.
In Los Hatos, there was no need for a large number of slaves, leading to the formation of predominantly European settlements in the surrounding areas. One example is the city of Baní, which was settled by islanders from the Canary Islands, unlike San Cristóbal. The same applies to Yaguate and its traditional families. According to information from Don Félix Reyes in the 17th century, Juan Rivera y Quezada acquired the Hato from Captain Tello Guzmán. A few years later, Don Juan donated the ranch to the Jesuit Fathers, intending for the profits to help establish a school in Santo Domingo. He also arranged for a yearly payment of 300 pesos to be given to him during his life and to his heirs after his death.
The Hato de Yaguate remained with the Jesuits for 118 years until they were expelled from Santo Domingo in 1767 due to a law by King Charles III, which ordered the removal of all Jesuits from Spain and their possessions. Afterward, the Hato de Yaguate was sold to Mr. Don José Guridi y Rivero de la Concha, and upon his death two years later, it was inherited by his son Nicolás Guridi y Frómeta. Eventually, it came into the possession of Father Doctor Bernardo Correa y Cidrón, who sold it to Doña Margarita Fuentes in 1818.
Town of Yaguate
Yaguate Patriotic Mural
Child stands in front of patriotic mural in Yaguate
Doña Margarita Fuentes and her spouse, Don Antonio Álvarez, both of Canarian descent and residents of San Carlos, were the founders of the town in 1818. The Álvarez-Fuentes Family served as the original nucleus of the Yaguate population. It is important to acknowledge that notable individuals from Yaguate partcipated in the disastrous annexation executed by Pedro Santana in 1861.
Additionally, several generals from Yaguate took part in the Ten Years' War, which was part of the Cuban War of Independence, starting in 1868. Among these were Generals Modesto Díaz, Félix Marcano, Ignacio Díaz Álvarez, and Lucas Eugenio Díaz Álvarez, the latter being the father of two individuals implicated in the assassination of dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina in May 1961, namely Modesto Díaz Quezada and Juan Tomas Díaz Quezada.
The Restoration War fought by nationalist forces against Spanish colonizers resulted in significant changes in Yaguate's population.
The town was destroyed due to its strong support for Spain. After Spanish troops left on July 11, 1865, a new settlement was established. In 1882, the Vicini family settled in the area and built the Italia Sugar Mill.
They purchased the land where Yaguate was originally located, prompting the town to move to its current location along the main road from San Cristóbal to the southern towns of the country.
Since the Vicini family's arrival in 1882, Yaguate has been historically recognized as the location of the first sugar factory in the New World, initiated by Italian immigrants and named “Ingenio Italia.” Today known as CEI, which stands for Compañía Anónima de Explotaciones Industriales, the Ingenio Italia remains the sole industry in the area, facilitating the growth of Yaguate as it transitioned to its current location.
Manuel Rolando Contín y Cuesta earned his degree in Dentistry from UASD in 1955. He was responsible for documenting the proceedings of the assembly that established Yaguate as a municipal district on January 1, 1945, thereby detaching it from the municipality of San Cristóbal. His contributions were instrumental in the development of the Municipal Park, where he oversaw the planting of mahogany trees.
The municipal district of Yaguate remained in existence until 1982, when it was upgraded to the status of a municipality.
The first elected councilor on May 16, 1982, was farmer José del Carmen Isabel (Blanco), who served two consecutive terms from 1982 to 1990.
Yaguate Baseball Field
Geography
Yaguate is located at 18.3339° N, 70.1805° W. According to the ONE, this municipality has a total land area of 121.81 square kilometers (47.03 square miles). It is divided into an urban area, three rural sections, and 48 localities.
It shares borders with the town of Cambita Garabitos on the north, the city of San Cristóbal on the east, the town of Sabana Grande de Palenque on the south, and the Peravia Province municipalities of Nizao and Baní on the west.
Topography
Edificio Dra
Yaguate, DR
Approximately 80% of the municipality of Yaguate consists of plains, interspersed with minor elevations of limited significance. The population primarily comprises farmers engaged in agricultural activities, alongside workers who commute to industries and factories situated in the suburban regions of San Cristóbal, Haina, and Santo Domingo.
The forested areas within the Municipality have significantly diminished due to deforestation, a situation somewhat mitigated by the cultivation of sugar cane, which occupies 65% of the land and is owned by the Caei Sugar Mill and private landholders.
To the west, the Municipality is bordered by the dwindling Nizao River, whose waters are suffering from the impacts of the Valdesia Dam (Jiguey-Aguacate) and the unregulated extraction of construction materials by local granaries along its banks. The river appears parched and deforested, raising concerns about its potential extinction in the near future.
Additionally, various streams and ravines traverse the Municipality, such as Arroyo Yaguate, Arroyo Doña Ana, and Arroyo La Cueva. Only during the rainy season do residents recall the days when fishing and swimming were popular pastimes for many in Yaguate and its neighboring areas.
Demography
Yaguate MD
Municipal districts
Year Population Change
2010 42,235
2012 92,586
2022 51,489 34,903 Yaguate
16,586 Doña Ana (D.M.)
Locations
Yaguate Municipal map
Municipal map of Yaguate
Neighborhoods
San Gregorio de Yaguate 92,586
Section Localities
Zona Urbana Urban 7 Barrio Nuevo, Bella Vista, Centro del Pueblo, La Uva, Residencial Rivas Bonilla, Santa Cruz, and Viejo.
1. Las Gallardas Rural 10 Arroyo Mamey, Doña Ana, El Callejón, Higuerito, La Cumba, La Manigua, Las Mercedes, Los Guzmán, Semana Santa, and Yaguate Arriba.
2. Maná de Yaguate Rural 10 Boca de Maná, El Copey, El Fuerte, El Horno, El Maizal, El Pozo, La Mancha, Maná Abajo, Maná de Yaguate, and Monte Bonito.
3. Najayo En Medio Rural 21 Boca de los Arroyos, Buzón, Cabria Abajo, Duveaux, El Limón, Ingenio Caei, La Cabirma, La Caoba, La Ermita, La Jagua, La Loma, La Vaca, Los Franco, Los Leones, Los Mateo, Los Riceli, Los Sánchez, Lucas Diaz, Moja Casabe, Najayo en Medio, and Pajarito.
Yaguate, DR near Central Park
Yaguate, DR near Central Park
Climate
San Gregorio de Yaguate has a tropical climate, with a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. Temperatures are fairly consistent year-round, with warm conditions and high humidity. The area is subject to occasional tropical storms, particularly in the rainy season.
Economy
Farmacia Yaguate
Yaguate Pharmacy
Shopping
Yaguate offers a vibrant shopping scene with a variety of options for residents and visitors.
The local markets and shops are filled with colorful and unique items such as handcrafted souvenirs, traditional Dominican clothing, and locally grown produce. Visitors can also find modern shopping malls with popular international and local brands, as well as charming boutiques and specialty stores.
The bustling atmosphere, friendly vendors, and diverse selection make shopping in Yaguate a delightful experience for all.
This town is unique because it has a "Market" on Sundays, usually taking part in the "Plazas." This raises some concern since many towns spend Sunday mornings in worship through church services, while the market is typically held on Saturday nights.
Tourism
Main article: Yaguate Points of Interest
Yaguate is a charming and picturesque town with a rich cultural heritage.
Visitors to Yaguate can explore its beautiful colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and lush green landscapes. The town is also known for its delicious traditional Dominican cuisine, including mouthwatering dishes such as mangu, sancocho, and tostones.
Infrastructure
Transportation
In terms of urban infrastructure, the streets are paved, enhancing mobility throughout the municipal region. The central part of the municipal territory is traversed by the Sánchez Highway, which serves as the primary communication route connecting the capital with the towns in the southern region.
Education
The Educational District 04-05 of Yaguate provides services across various educational levels, including Initial Level, Basic Level, Middle Level, and the Adult Subsystem. The educational landscape of Yaguate is characterized by a combination of public and private institutions that deliver primary and secondary education, along with certain vocational training opportunities.
While the town enjoys a robust educational infrastructure, it still encounters challenges commonly associated with rural regions.
Health
Yaguate's health centers encompass both public and private sectors. Hospital Municipal de Yaguate serves as the primary public healthcare institution in Yaguate. It provides a wide array of essential medical services, including general consultations, emergency services, maternal and child health care, immunizations, and preventive health measures. While it may not have the advanced technology of larger city hospitals, it plays a crucial role in providing essential healthcare to the community. It is located in the central part of Yaguate.
Centro de Salud de Yaguate is another public health center that provides outpatient services, including routine check-ups, vaccinations, and primary care. It focuses on common illnesses, maternal and child health, and family planning. Like other public centers, it is often the first place many patients go for medical help and is found near the town center next to the hospital.
Laboratorio Clínico de León Pérez provides a range of diagnostic services to the local community, offering both basic and more specialized medical testing.
Utilities
The electric power supply reaches 90% of the communities, with the remaining 10% lacking this service due to their location in mountainous areas that are difficult to access.
Yaguate Central Park
Yaguate Central Park
Culture
The municipality of Yaguate has a significant pre-Columbian and colonial historical heritage, establishing it as one of the most culturally rich municipalities.
This town exhibits distinct characteristics inherited from pre-Columbian culture. A notable example is the traditional method of cassava production, which continues to be practiced in the region, mirroring the techniques used by the Taínos. Furthermore, the names of the tools employed in this production process have remained unchanged over time.
The Guariquiten serves as the press utilized for extracting juice from cassava. Another significant Taíno artifact is the burén, constructed from clay and limestone, featuring an opening for firewood, which heats the surface used for cooking cassava flour. Guayiga is another vital Taíno crop that continues to be cultivated in this municipality. This tuber is utilized to prepare buns, commonly referred to as "Chulos" and "Palanoche," which are baked in a clay or mud oven, as well as ojaldas.
The ojaldas resemble a bobón and, when consumed, disintegrate and disperse like flour, necessitating a slow eating process. This has given rise to the saying: "He who has more saliva swallows more ojaldas."
Prominent sites within the municipality include the Cave de La Mancha, El Conde, the Valdesia Dam, and the Nizao River, along with smaller areas such as Tuner, Capeche Ranch in Duveaux, and the Najayo Club in Medio. Additionally, the Municipal Park, adorned with pigeons, mahogany trees, oaks, vibrant flowers, and a captivating water fountain, offers a sense of wonder and beauty.
Visitors to Yaguate are encouraged to explore the Valdesia Dam, the indigenous cave grottos of Maná, and the Cueva de la Mancha. These caves house remnants of the extinct indigenous population and offer various attractions that appeal to both tourists and local residents alike.
Within the Cueva de la Mancha, situated in the heart of a mountain to the west of Yaguate, there exists a cavern known as the Hall of 12 at night.
This site attracts visitors seeking a small spring, whose waters are believed to possess healing properties and bring good fortune.
Points of Interest
La Cueva del Conde (The Count's Cave) Yaguate, DR
La Cueva del Conde (The Count's Cave) Yaguate, DR
Some of the attractions of this unique village, which you should not miss the chance to visit, are the Church of Boca de Mana and the Church of el Conde even when there are only two stones left of the Church of el Conde, between which a stream (which is thought to have curative properties) goes through. Other attractions are the Dam of Valdesia and the caverns of indigenous of Maná, among which the incredible Cave of La Mancha is the most remarkable one. Its is the main tourist attraction, located west of the town.
This cavern, which served as the home of the extinct indigenous race, has several rooms, including the Salón Las 12 de la Noche (12 of the Night Room) due to its darkness. Here there is a small spring whose waters, according to legend, have healing powers; curative properties as its waters heal every kind of illnesses and also bring good luck.
One of the must-visit attractions in Yaguate is the Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua, a stunning church that dates back to the 18th century.
Visitors can admire the church's intricate architecture and beautiful interior, as well as learn about its historical significance. Nature lovers will also enjoy exploring the stunning natural beauty of the Valdesia region.
Cueva de la Mancha
The Cueva de La Mancha (the cave of the stain), located in the heart of a mountain west of Yaguate (center), is a very ancient cavern made up of several rooms that have been given such peculiar names as “Salón las 12 de la noche” (Hall at 12 at night) due to how dark that part is, in which all kinds of religious rites are usually performed, especially those related to Santeria and spiritualism.
Inside the cave, in addition to the rooms already mentioned, there is a small spring that flows from the rocky surface, which, according to those who know the place, produces water capable of healing all kinds of ailments and attracting good luck if coins of a certain value are placed inside it.
Due to the distance and the characteristics of the mountain path that must be taken to get there, this natural heritage sometimes appears abandoned, except on dates when the community is accustomed to holding religious festivals, it temporarily acquires some colour.
Certainly nature imposes itself, creating by itself those things that man has not been able to, nor will be able to, create.
Ingenio Italia
The mechanical equipment that Don Juan B. Vicini provided to the Italia Sugar Mill was the most modern of that time and had to be transported by ox cart from the port of Palenque to the Batey Central. Ten years later, in 1893, the mill had upgraded to a railway system that connected these two locations.
This advancement not only facilitated the swift movement of sugar cane to the factory but also enhanced the efficiency of sugar exports. The CAEI Sugar Mill became the property of the Compañía Anónima de Explotaciones Industriales when it was established on September 27, 1927, and Mr. Juan B. Vicini was elected its President.
La Chivería Restaurant
Renowned as the most frequented destination in San Cristóbal’s burgeoning ecotourism scene,
La Chivería has captivated the hearts and palates of visitors from across the Dominican Republic and beyond. La Chivería’s culinary prowess lies in its masterful interpretation of traditional Dominican cuisine, with a particular emphasis on goat meat and tilapia dishes. Each dish is an ode to Dominican heritage, showcasing the rich flavors that have been passed down through generations. Signature creations include the Chivirico Sureño, Chivirico en salsa de vino, and Chivirico Caribeño, each a testament to the restaurant’s culinary ingenuity.
Venturing beyond the goat meat specialties, La Chivería presents an enticing array of delicacies for every palate. Succulent grilled meats, including churrasco and Angus beef fillet, tantalize the senses, while Baby Back ribs and salmon offer delectable seafood options. For those seeking a vegetarian delight, the restaurant’s Mofongo de chivo and Nachos de chivo provide a satisfying alternative.
La Chivería’s philosophy extends beyond culinary excellence, embracing a deep commitment to community and sustainability.
The restaurant’s owners, Don Víctor Espinal and family, actively support local education, recognizing the importance of nurturing young minds.
“We are deeply committed to our community and its people. As part of our social responsibility, we support the top-performing students from our local schools. Each month, we invite these students and their families to enjoy a complimentary lunch at our restaurant.
This is our way of encouraging academic excellence in our community,” expresses Víctor Espinal, the restaurant’s owner.
“Together with my children, we have created a place where the whole family can come and enjoy themselves. We are committed to providing employment opportunities for people in our community.
However, we need more support from the tourism authorities. We are not asking for financial assistance, but rather for promotion and recognition as an integral part of a province that attracts thousands of visitors every month,” he points out.
“La Chivería is currently the culinary business with the highest number of employees in Yaguate. We support local workers, such as blacksmiths who create various animal sculptures for our establishment. We play a vital role in driving the local economy,” Victor emphasizes.
La Chivería caters to families of all sizes, providing a haven for relaxation and adventure.
A petting zoo allows children to interact with friendly farm animals, while fishing ponds offer a tranquil escape into nature. Gazebos, Instagram-worthy corners, and lively bars create an ambiance that caters to every taste and preference.
With a seating capacity of 1,200, La Chivería welcomes guests from Monday to Sunday, from 9 am to 10 pm. To embark on a culinary adventure and discover the magic of La Chivería, follow their social media @lachiveriayaguate or make reservations at 829-439-1007.
Valdesia Dam
Presa de Valdesia
Valdesia Dam
The Valdesia Dam was officially opened on January 26, 1976, with a total expenditure of 60 million dollars, which included the Las Barias Reservoir. Situated in the Muchos Aguas region, the Valdesia reservoir and dam are a hydroelectric plant and drinking water source for the capital of Santo Domingo and its surrounding provinces.
This was the first dam built on the Nizao River, developed by the Dominican Government through the Valdesia Corporation.
The construction was handled by the Spanish company Agroman, Empresa Constructora, S.A. The Valdesia Dam serves several purposes: it provides drinking water for Santo Domingo at a rate of 6.3 m3/sec, irrigates 193,734 plots in the Ozama-Nizao Irrigation District, and generates 52.75 million KWH of electricity annually.
From when it was expected to start operating in 1978 until 1993, when the dam began supplying water to the Santo Domingo Aqueduct, the average electricity production was 84.21 million kWh. After that, the annual energy production dropped to 62.75 million kWh. The dam's operation also relies on two mini-power plants: the Nizao-Najayo, which has a capacity of 330 kW and has generated an average of 0.57 GWh annually since it began operating in 1994, and the Anones.
Water is drawn from the reservoir and sent through a pressure pipe to the powerhouse, where it generates electricity using two turbine units and generators. The electricity produced has a voltage of 13.8 KV and is sent to an outdoor substation near the dam. After passing through the turbines, the water is returned to the Nizao River through a 610-meter long tunnel with a diameter of 6.75 meters.
Religion
This municipality predominantly adheres to Catholic Christian beliefs; however, there has been a significant increase in the presence of Protestant churches, including Evangelical Pentecostal, Adventist, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Mormons, among others.
Yaguate Carnaval King
King of the Carnaval, Yaguate, DR
Yaguate Carnaval 2019
Yaguate Municipal Carnaval in 2019
Yaguate Carnaval
Scene from the Yaguate Municipal Carnaval in 2023
Heritage
The beginning of the year begins with attention to children, particularly on January 6, when numerous institutions are noted for their involvement in the celebration of the Day of the Holy Kings. During this event, toys are distributed to children lo limited resources across various sectors of the community, alongside a range of recreational and cultural activities. On January 21, the day of the Virgin of Altagracia, there is a celebration of the feast of Saints in the Yaguate cave.
The patriotic quarter commences on January 26 with a ceremony honoring the birth of Juan Pablo Duarte, which includes a floral tribute at the bust of the national hero located in the municipal park. February 27 marks the celebration of National Independence in Yaguate, featuring parades, events, theatrical performances, contests, traditional games, competitions, poetry recitals, and songs, all involving participation from local educational institutions.
The 1st Sunday in March is designated for the municipal carnival, organized by the city council, which sees the involvement of various groups. On March 9, a school parade is conducted to honor the birthday of Francisco Del Rosario Sánchez, marking the conclusion of the national quarter.
In the urban area, the patron saint is the Holy Cross (Santa Cruz), with festivities originating in the La Ermita region of the Najayo al Medio Section.
The celebration later began to celebrated at the old chapel of the CEI sugar mill and eventually to the current location of the municipality. The festivities honoring the patron saint are held on May 3, which is designated as Yaguate Day. In the nine days leading up to this date, a series of activities is organized by the committee responsible for the patron saint festivities, culminating in the selection of the Queen of the Patron Saint Festivities. On June 24, the celebration of Saint John's Day takes place, bringing together congregations from various communities at the Cave of La Mancha, Boca de Mana. On July 16, the Day of Carmen is celebrated in the community of Doña Ana de Yaguate.
The colonial legacy is prominently reflected in this community, where there exists a profound reverence for the Virgin of Las Mercedes on September 24 and for Altagracia on January 21 each year. During these significant occasions, vigils are organized, which involve prior preparations known as novenas. Each day of the novena is hosted by a different family responsible for the evening's toast. Additionally, some communities express devotion to other saints, including Saint John, Saint Anthony, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
During these vigils, it is customary to prepare meals for all attendees, and celebrations are accompanied by traditional instruments such as sticks, drums, güiros, balsié, maracas, and tambourines.
The gatherings feature the singing of salves, which honor the Virgin and reflect themes pertinent to the community.
Yaguate Boat ride
Leisure and Recreation
Abundant in vibrant natural life and the wealth bestowed by its distinctive environment, Yaguate serves as a remarkable venue for engaging with nature. Of the town's many picturesque localities, there are several that offer exceptional recreational opportunites, including La Cueva de La Mancha, El Conde, La Presa de Valdesia, Río Nizao, as well as areas such as Tuner, Rancho Capeche in Duveaux, and Club Najayo in Medio. The Municipal Park, adorned with its pigeons, mahogany trees, oaks, exquisite flowers, and a captivating water fountain, adds to the area's charm and splendor. Additionally, the sports field features multiple playgrounds and basketball courts.
References
Urpirio Moreno M.Scs.,
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