National Larimar Day 2023: National Larimar Day is observed annually in the Dominican Republic on November 22. Imagine a rare gemstone that is as dazzlingly blue as the Caribbean Sea and originates from a secluded mountain island where only one person is aware of its existence. Doesn’t it sound like something from a science fiction film or book? Nonetheless, this is the true origin of Larimar, a semiprecious blue gemstone that is indigenous to the Dominican Republic and is currently emblematic of the country. The magnificent Larimar has come a long way from being on the verge of extinction to becoming a national tradition.
National Larimar Day 2023: History
Larimar is an exceptional variety of blue pectolite that is restricted to the southern region of the Dominican Republic. In 1916, Larimar was discovered in the southwestern region of Barahona. Father Miguel Domingo Fuertes de Loren of the Barahona Parish is said to have been the first to discover the peculiar stone. My request was not granted. Nobody was aware of its nature or value. The stone consequently vanished from consciousness and descended into oblivion.
In 1976, decades later, Miguel Mendez, a craftsman, became aware of the existence of the stone. Thus, the pursuit to locate it commenced, and to no one’s surprise, there it was, as dazzlingly blue as the Caribbean Sea. Initially designated “Travelina,” Mendez ultimately settled on the name “Larimar.” The appellation was formed in honor of the father, Larissa, by merging her colloquial name “Lari” with the Spanish word “mar,” which means “sea.” Since then, the exquisite blue stone has become renowned as a rare jewel of the Dominican Republic, living up to its moniker.
Larimar is an inaccessible gemstone that is not discovered elsewhere on Earth. A few miles from the city of Barahona, in Los Chupaderos, is the only unexplored Larimar mine. The inaugural National Larimar Day was observed in the Dominican Republic on November 22, 2018, which coincided with the cleric Miguel Domingo Fuertes’ discovery of the stone in 1916. Larimar remains a lasting emblem of the Dominican Republic’s cultural legacy. Regardless of its form (polished, raw, jewelry, or décor), the exquisite stone mesmerizes both tourists and locals. Larimar-crafted precious gems can be found in gift shops throughout the nation.
Facts About Dominican Republic
Preferred in Hollywood
Here, legendary productions such as “The Godfather II,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and “Jurassic Park” were developed.
Splendid with endemic fauna
Rare venomous mammal Solenodon is observed roaming freely in the forests of the nation.
Poetic cuisine
“Morir soñando,” an emblematic beverage of the nation, derives its name from the phrase “to die dreaming.”
Experiencing both highs and lows
The lowest point in the Caribbean is Lago Enriquillo in the Dominican Republic, which is situated 151 feet below sea level. In contrast, Duarte Peak stands as the tallest mountain in the region at 10,164 feet.
American cuisine and patriotism
La Bandera Dominicana, a traditional daily lunch consisting of rice, meat, and beans, derives its name from the national emblem.
National Larimar Day 2023: Importance
Larimar is distinct.
We adore the concept of a stone that is so uncommon that it is not found elsewhere on earth. It elevates Larimar to a unique status.
Traditional and natural heritage
The Dominican Republic is synonymous with Larimar. National Larimar Day honors the Dominican Republic’s distinctive heritage.
To appreciate attractiveness
The brilliant Larimar serves as a reminder to value beauty. We are profoundly impressed by the immense value of our planet.
National Larimar Day 2023: Date
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | November 22 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | November 22 | Friday |
| 2025 | November 22 | Saturday |
| 2026 | November 22 | Sunday |
| 2027 | November 22 | Monday |
