Bahoruco.– The community of Bahoruco was the setting for a historic meeting between miners and artisans during the celebration of National Larimar Day, a day that highlighted the human, economic, and cultural value of those who work with the blue stone that identifies the Dominican Republic.
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The protagonists themselves offered words that reflected the dedication behind each piece of Larimar: Juan Encarnación, a miner with over 15 years in the hill, expressed amidst applause: “Each stone we take out is not just to sell it; it’s a piece of our life up there. One enters the mine knowing it’s hard, but also knowing that what we do keeps this tradition alive.” The artisan Mariela Suero, known for her hand-carved pieces, highlighted the emotional bond with the mineral:“I always say that Larimar is worked with respect. It’s not just cutting and polishing; it’s understanding its veins, its light, its history. Each piece is unique, like each artisan who transforms it into art.” The young lapidary Jordy Félix, trained at the Larimar Workshop School, shared the excitement of seeing his work recognized:
“Studying here changed my life. Before, I saw Larimar as just another stone. Today I know that I am working on a national heritage. This is the future, it is identity and it is an opportunity for us young people.” Authorities from the Ministry of Energy and Mines emphasized that the value chain of Larimar depends on the joint work between those who extract it and those who transform it. “Without miners there is no stone; without artisans there is no art,” highlighted the organizers, recognizing that both guilds are fundamental to preserve the cultural identity of Barahona and the country.
