Churches

The Dominican Republic offers religious freedom, but the Catholic Church still enjoys certain favors. Catholic marriage ceremonies are the only religious marriage ceremonies that are recognized by the state, but legal marriages are also available.

The Church of St Stanislaus at the center of the Altos de Chavón was named after the patron saint of Poland in tribute to Pope John Paul II, who visited the island in 1979 and left some of the saint's ashes behind.

Every year, tens of thousands of Catholics make the pilgrimage to Higuey to celebrate the Virgin de la Altagracia in late January. The main historical element in Higuey is the cathedral, home of the "virgin de la Altagracia" a painting brought by the Spaniards in the late 15th century.

Altagracia is the spiritual mother of the Dominican people and is revered like the Virgin Mary. This day and the day before are marked by avid church going, candle lighting, singing, dancing, and other modes of celebration. This takes place in various towns and cities across the country.