Holy Week in the Dominican Republic

Holy Week in the Dominican Republic was an interesting experience. There was the expected live reenactment of the Way of the Cross using the cement cross on the main highway. Another day, in another town, the traditional praying Way of the Cross before the church services. Holy Thursday was during a huge downpour of rain, and there was a beautiful floral setting to have a holy hour after mass. 

What I found different here is the relative few people who participate in processions and church services. Only about 30 people from a large town participated. The other thing different here, from other places I have worked as a lay missioner, is the use of bullwhips to “chase away evil”. Men dressed in red, devil costumes and cracked these huge, long bullwhips on the street corners. Lots of loud music and drinking parties spilling out of homes onto the streets. Heavy drinking and bullwhips did not seem a good combination, so I spent most of the week near the house.

I am enjoying getting to know more about the culture here. All vegetables are only available in the open-air market. The paths are narrow and clogged with people, wheelbarrows, hot pushed bar-B-Q grills with roasted meat and huge loads carried on the head. I got knocked around a little and found unknown people just grabbing me to steady me from behind or holding my shoulder for balance if they jostle me in passing. Very kind people. The people selling are also friendly.