The Hermanas Mirabal province in the Dominican Republic is one of the regions of greatest historical value for the Caribbean country. Remembered as the “Unforgettable Butterflies”, this province bears the name of the heroic sisters who became a symbol of resistance and fight against the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo.
In addition to this, Hermanas Mirabal is a land full of charm and beauty between its mountains and rivers, where you can do many outdoor activities. For many travelers, this region is a place where we can recharge our batteries and let ourselves be carried away by the beauty of the landscape.
So, if you want to complete your vacation in the Dominican Republic and live an experience that will transport you back in time to honor the legacy of these brave women, and enjoy unforgettable activities in the midst of exuberant and lively landscapes, keep reading the information! that we have prepared for you!
Why visit the province of Hermanas Mirabal in the Dominican Republic?
Visiting this province to immerse yourself in the history of the memorable Mirabal Sisters is reason enough why this region should definitely be included in your travel itinerary, especially if you want to learn about the legacy of these brave women.
Currently, the Mirabal Sisters are an icon of violence against women in Latin America and the world, since they were assassinated by the dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo in 1960. In this province we can visit their residence, converted into a museum on December 8, 1994 .
Previously, this province was called Salcedo. It is located in the north center of the country, bordering with Espaillat, La Vega and Duarte. In addition, it is one of the main provinces of Cibao in the Dominican Republic.
Thus, it is also a tourist destination in the Dominican Republic that offers a variety of attractions and unique experiences for visitors. It has impressive mountainous landscapes and green valleys with truly impressive turquoise tones, ideal for lovers of nature and ecotourism.
This province also has a wide variety of community tourism initiatives, which means that travelers can support local communities and learn about their lifestyle and traditions.
For example, in the community of La Cumbre, you can participate in craft workshops and learn about the production of coffee and cocoa, highly valued products in the international market. Likewise, this region offers the opportunity to taste the best typical dishes, such as sancocho, bandera and stewed goat.
When is it better to visit this province?
The best time to visit the Dominican Republic and learn about the Mirabal Sisters is during the months of November to April , which correspond to the dry season and with the most pleasant climate. During these months, temperatures are moderate and there is less chance of rain.
In particular, if you want to visit the Monument to the Mirabal Sisters in Salcedo, you could take the opportunity to attend the Festival of Culture, which is held in November in honor of the sisters and includes various cultural and artistic activities.
Also, November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the date on which the murder of the Mirabal Sisters is remembered and various commemorative activities are carried out throughout the country.
However, keep in mind that during the high season, which corresponds to the months of December to February, there may be more tourists and higher prices. So be sure to make your reservations in advance!
Top 4: Best things to do in Hermanas Mirabal
Now yes, let’s see below our list of the best things to do in this province , and which are the places that you should not miss to recharge with good vibes, enjoy the imposing mountains, and connect with the local people to live a unique experience and memorable. Let’s see.
1.Get to know the “Hermanas Mirabal” Museum and discover its legacy
First of all, you should know that the Hermanas Mirabal province is the birthplace of the famous 4 Mirabal Sisters, who fought against the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the 1960s, with a tragic end.
Three of the sisters (there were 4 in total), Patria, Minerva and María Teresa, gave their lives for their ideals of democracy and freedom when followers of the dictator savagely murdered the sisters on his orders.
And it is that the sisters were creating clandestine alliances to overthrow their government, so the dictator did not hesitate to order their death on November 25, 1960. Finally, the remaining sister, Dedé, kept her memories until her death in 2014.
Although the dictator believed that this would free him from the problem, the opposite happened, because soon the Catholic Church and the entire town turned against him, therefore, the death of the young women only fueled his desire to eliminate once and for all with his cruel government.
Thus, the rebellion contributed to the fact that Rafael Trujillo was finally assassinated on May 30, 1961, only six months later. Currently, the death of the Mirabal sisters is an inspiration in the fight against violence against women, which is why their residence is currently a Museum and a place that keeps their legacy alive.
In fact, it was in December 1999 when the 54th session of the United Nations General Assembly declared the International Day against Violence against Women, therefore, this resolution declared November 25 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Violence against Women.
Precisely, the day the 3 sisters were violently murdered for their political activism, and as a way of not forgetting their lives, to finally become a symbol of gender violence in Latin America.
Another interesting fact is that the sisters were known as the “Unforgettable Butterflies” (Las Mariposas was their code name), so the Mirabal Sisters House Museum, located in the city of Salcedo, is a must-see place for those interested in learning more about the country’s history and national heroes.
In addition, his story inspired a book and a movie , both of the same name: “In the time of butterflies.” The second was starring actress Salma Hayek and singer Mark Anthony.
What to see in the Sisters Museum?
The Museum was founded by the remaining sister Dedé Mirabal, located on the outskirts of Salcedo. In fact, it was also the second home of the sisters and where they lived for about 10 months before their terrible outcome at the hands of the dictator’s followers.
Inside the Museum you will be able to see some of the family’s personal items, such as a set of Patria tea cups, and some Maria Teresa embroidery, paintings, and much more.
However, there are also some more morbid personal items on display, such as a long braid of María Teresa’s hair, which her sister Dedé cut off from her head in the morgue. Likewise, other items that the sisters carried during their murder are also found, such as papers, bags, shoes and more.
The Museum also has a library called Dra. Minerva J. Mirabal de Tavárez, a cafeteria and an administrative building. In addition, the remains of the sisters and husbands were transferred to the vault created in the garden of the house in the year 2000.
The mausoleum was built by the architect Rodolfo Pou, which is a water source, which symbolizes the continuity of life, surrounded by the 4 graves. It was built with the stones that Minerva kept with the purpose of building a Spanish-style patio. Currently, it has been declared an extension of the Panteón de la Patria according to Decree No. 1211-00.
Keep in mind that only guided tours are offered, so you will have to buy a ticket to enter, which is quite cheap. On the other hand, they are not allowed to take photos of the interior, but they are on the outskirts of the residence. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and weekends until 6:00 p.m. As we can see, it remains closed on Mondays.
2.Explore and discover the biodiversity and natural wealth in the La Salcedoa Scientific Reserve
In addition to hosting important historical events such as the Mirabal Sisters, this province also contains some tourist attractions that have attracted the attention of travelers in recent years, especially ecotourism lovers.
In this sense, you cannot miss a visit to the La Salcedoa Scientific Reserve, which is located in the north of the region, covering an area of 41.2 square kilometers. It is, therefore, a forest with abundant cloudiness that is characterized by its rivers, geological structure and great diversity of endemic plants.
In addition to this, it is also the natural home of many endemic animal species, such as the solenodon and the barrancolí. Being unique species in this territory, you should not miss the opportunity to meet them.
Being an area protected by a great diversity of flora and fauna, it is also one of the few places in the country where you can find the Salcedoa erecta tree, an endangered species. In this sense, it is an ideal place for observing wildlife.
On the other hand, La Salcedoa has several hiking trails that are ideal for exploring the reserve and enjoying its natural beauty. Visitors can hike nature trails through the jungle, viewing waterfalls, streams, and natural pools along the way.
In addition, there is a visitor center where you can get information about the reserve and the activities available. So, if you are interested in nature, hiking, education and conservation, La Salcedoa Scientific Reserve is definitely a place you should visit.
Source: @explorandohermanasmirabal3.Spend a relaxing afternoon at the Ecoparque de la Paz
The Ecopark of Peace is a tourist attraction in Hermanas Mirabal that offers a unique experience for those seeking close contact with nature. This ecological space is located in Ojo de Agua, and was inaugurated on the 50th anniversary of the death of the heroic sisters.
The park houses spaces with a very calm family atmosphere so that travelers can take walks and learn more about the diversity of the island. In this sense, it is ideal for observing birds and wild flora.
Walking through the trails, visitors will be able to see different types of animals, such as birds, monkeys, reptiles and butterflies, as well as a wide variety of plants and flowers. In addition, it offers fun and educational activities for the whole family.
In fact, there is an educational farm where visitors can interact with farm animals and learn about sustainable agriculture. There is also a butterfly garden and an interpretation center where you can learn more about the flora and fauna of the area. In addition, there are activities such as boating, zip lining and horseback riding.
As we can see, you can enjoy the tranquility of the park and relax in the rest areas and even have a picnic, enjoying the beauty of the natural environment. Without a doubt, it is a mandatory visit if you are on a getaway through the province of the Mirabal Sisters.
Source: @danny70894.Stroll through the main municipalities and connect with the local people
This magnificent province is also made up of 3 main municipalities, each of them with authentic cultural and architectural treasures to enjoy: Villa Tapia, Salcedo and Tenares. In these territories, the cultivation of cocoa, coffee, bananas, as well as livestock and crafts are their main economic drivers.
On the other hand, Salcedo is a city with a rich history and colonial architecture. In the center of the city you will find several buildings and monuments dating from the colonial era, as well as shops and restaurants that will allow you to enjoy the local culture and the best of its gastronomy, such as mangu, sancocho and chicken locrio. , among others.
You can also explore the nearby towns, and meet the locals, who are very friendly and welcoming. Likewise, you can participate in some of the tours or cocoa routes so that you can witness the production process from its first stages to taste a delicious hot chocolate.
Source: @alcaldiasalcedoFinal words
As we can see, the Hermanas Mirabal province seems at first glance to be a region rarely frequented by tourists, but it contains some of the main tourist treasures of the island, and places that lovers of sustainable tourism will love from the beginning of their trip.
Therefore, getting to know the Hermanas Mirabal province in the Dominican Republic is an enriching experience for those who seek to learn about the history and culture of this country, as well as enjoy its natural beauty and its delicious gastronomy present in every corner of this region so beautiful as the soul and bravery of these memorable women.
