Happy TravellerWelcome to La Vega, the fourth largest city and municipality of the Dominican Republic. Located in La Vega Province, this city is known as the Carnaval epicenter of the Dominican Republic for its tradition and culture, as well as its large agricultural production methods throughout its province. La Vega has a rich history dating back to the time of Christopher Columbus, who built a military fort near present-day La Vega in 1494 to guard the route to the interior gold deposits of the Cibao valley. A Spanish settlement known as Concepción de la Vega gradually grew up around the fort, and by 1510 it was one of the largest and most important European cities in the hemisphere. However, the city was destroyed and buried by an earthquake on December 2, 1562, and the survivors moved to the present site on the banks of the Camú River. The second foundation of the city corresponds to its current location and it is believed that it took place between the years 1562 and 1563. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the first city at the Pueblo Viejo National Park, which also features an archaeological park and a museum.
La Vega is bounded on the north by the Camú River, which flows about 100 kilometers before emptying into Yuna River. South of the city is the Cordillera Central, the largest mountain system of the Dominican Republic. El Ponton Field, a local airport, bounds the city on the east. To La Vega’s west are the Camú River again and Montellano. The city has a tropical rainforest climate, making it a great destination for those seeking warm weather and sunshine.
The local industries in La Vega are based upon cacao, coffee, tobacco, rice, and cattle production. There is also a small but very famous brewery called Cervecería Vegana known for its pilsener-style beers, named Quisqueya and Soberana. There is a factory known for making the famous sausage Induveca. The shrine of Our Lady of Mercy called Santo Cerro is located in the place where Virgin Mary appeared to Christopher Columbus during a battle.
La Vega is home to several universities, including an extension of the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña and the Universidad Católica Tecnológica del Cibao. The city also has one of the most expensive schools in the country, the famous Colegio Agustiniano, which is the only one in the country.
Each year, the famous Feria del Libro de República Dominicana (Dominican Republic Book Fair) takes place in the city of La Vega. In this fair, most of the famous books and literary works from Dominican writers such as Juan Bosch, Joaquín Balaguer, Federico García Godoy, among others, and international writers such as Gabriela Mistral, Rubén Darío, Gabriel García Márquez, among others, are sold, and some theatrical works are shown to the public. The fair is celebrated each year in the month of September, lasting about one week, and brings to this city all the editors from all around the country, selling many kinds of books, theatrical works, etc.
Transportation in La Vega is easy with many bus companies which travel between La Vega and other cities like Santo Domingo, Santiago, Samana, Puerto Plata, and others. There is also El Ponton Field, which serves domestic flights.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the Superior Basketball Tournament of La Vega, which is held annually between the months of October and December. This tournament started in October 1994 and features several teams, including El Parque Hostos, La Matica, DOSA, Enriquillo, and La Villa.
La Vega has produced many notable people, including famous writer and former President of the Dominican Republic Juan Bosch, bilingual Dominican-American poet Rhina Espaillat, aviator Zoilo H. Garcia, musician Luis Alberti, boxer Juan Carlos Payano, boxer Victoriano Sosa, former President of the Dominican Republic Antonio Guzmán Fernández, Miss Dominican Republic 2004 Larimar Fiallo, lawyer Cirilo J Guzmán, ballet dancer Francisco Moncion, charter member of the New York City Ballet and choreographer, Televisa actor Carlos de la Mota, Miss Dominican Republic 1994 Vielka Valenzuela, Miss Dominican Republic 2012 Carola Durán, murderer Ana Julia Quezada, and professional baseball player for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball Jonathan Villar.
Come and experience the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of La Vega, Dominican Republic. Book your trip today and discover why this enchanting destination should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
