Today, Wednesday, 24 September is a holiday in the Dominican Republic. It commemorates "The Day of our Lady of Mercedes", the patron of the Dominican Republic. The Virgin is honored for her role in protecting Spanish soldiers in a battle against Indians in La Vega.

Our local catholic church walked down our street, singing songs and holding a statue of Mercedes (Mary) in front. Then, they gather for food in nearby houses. It was much like this foto from Palm Sunday, only the group was not as large.