Santiago.- Amidst nostalgia, respect, and fond memories, dozens of families flocked this Sunday to the Cristo Está Vivo cemetery, in the El Ingenio sector, as well as other public and private cemeteries in Santiago, to pay tribute to their deceased fathers on the occasion of Father’s Day, a tradition that brings together hundreds of people in these places of reflection every year.
From the early hours of the morning, visitors arrived with flowers, candles, and other items to clean the graves, offer prayers, and keep alive the legacy of those who are no longer physically present, but remain in the memories of their loved ones.
Among them was Redy Rodríguez, who stated that for more than 55 years he has been visiting the grave of his father, his mother, and his siblings.
He explained that he keeps the best memories of him and that, regardless of the date, he frequently goes to the cemetery to clean his grave, light candles, and honor his memory.
Another visitor was Rady Luz, who expressed that every Father’s Day she comes to the cemetery as a sign of love and respect for her father, ensuring that, although the pain of his absence remains, remembering him in this place brings her peace and strength.
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Likewise, other people stated that this year they experienced the commemoration with greater sadness because they recently lost their parents, which is why they decided to visit their graves to bring them flowers, clean their spaces, and dedicate a moment of prayer to them together with their families.
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However, some visitors, such as Elena Cruz, pointed out that the movement of people was less than expected for such a significant date. Cruz participated in a thanksgiving mass held in honor of deceased parents, one of the Eucharists organized during the morning in different cemeteries in Santiago.
Meanwhile, merchants set up around the Cristo Está Vivo cemetery stated that sales of flowers, candles, and religious items remained dynamic throughout the day, driven by the constant flow of people entering and leaving the graveyard.
As part of the commemoration, public and private cemeteries held masses and religious ceremonies dedicated to deceased fathers, offering families a space for prayer and remembrance.
In the Dominican Republic, Father’s Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of July, a date that, in addition to recognizing fathers who are still with their families, becomes a special moment to visit cemeteries and pay tribute to those who left an indelible mark on the lives of their loved ones.
