The Altagracia Day is a national holiday in the island of La
Hispaniola, which is shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti. La
Virgen de la Altagracia is the most significant cult figure in the island
and is a symbol that is worshiped by the island’s main religions:
Catholicism, Santeria and Vodou. People from all corners of the
island go on pilgrimage to the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de La
Virgen de La Altagracia in the city of Higuey, located in the far east
of the Dominican territory. Despite the economic, nationalist and
social segregation between Dominicans and Haitians, both countries
worship the same idol, in the same city. Old African and European
folklore blended in the island after Columbus arrival and developed
into a culture both new and very old simultaneously, passed from
generation to generation through song and storytelling that erasing
borders between nations and religions for one day.
Santiago Vidal is a photographer with a background in media and design. He offers his photography and visual communication skills to individuals, media outlets, companies and institutions.
At the present time, he is learning more on storytelling while developing different editorial and commercial projects.
Awards Selected work for 2017 PhotoEspaña Discoveries program
Published in Dodho Magazine | BW Awards 2018
