The rich history of Dominican funeral and mourning traditions remains an important practice to many. Many of the practices we discuss below are considered traditional within the Dominican Republic, but it’s important to note that every family is different. While one person’s funeral may include several traditional elements, another’s may include none at all. There is no right or wrong way to honor a loved one’s passing.
The Central Role of Family and Community
Family is at the heart of Dominican life, a value that shines through during times of loss and grief. When a loved one passes away, mourning is often a shared experience. Relatives, friends and neighbors may come together to help. This may take the form of practical support, like bringing food, or simply listening and sharing stories. This shared presence reminds the grieving family that they’re not going through this alone, and that their loved one touched more lives than they might realize.
The Viewing (El Velorio)
One Dominican funeral practice is the velorio, also known as the wake or viewing. Traditionally, the velorio took place in the home, but it is also held at funeral homes. This gathering allows family and friends to pay their respects. Attendees may pray, reflect quietly or share stories about the departed. Moments of warmth and conversation are common.
The duration of a velorio varies. Some families hold brief gatherings, while some extend the velorio over multiple days to allow distant relatives and friends to attend. What remains consistent is the focus on community presence and collective remembrance.
The Nine Nights of Prayer (El Novenario)
Some families recognize el novenario, a nine-day period of prayer. While the novenario is rooted in the Catholic faith, it’s not restricted to religious households, and not every Catholic family may incorporate the practice. For those who do recognize the novenario, family and friends gather each evening for nine days to pray the rosary for the departed. The prayer might change from day to day or focus on a single meditation. Families may choose to practice novenario privately or as a shared activity.
On the ninth night, a large gathering with food and drinks may be held. Some families may also keep their front door closed until the ninth day after their loved one’s passing.
The Funeral Service and Procession
Funeral services and processions depend on the individual’s requests and the family’s preferences, but most are shaped to allow friends and family to say their goodbyes. As Roman Catholicism is common in the Dominican Republic, many services are a Catholic Mass during which a priest may bless the deceased with holy water. Many Protestant and non-faith-based funerals are held at funeral homes with a pastor or officiant overseeing.
It’s important to note that even when funerals are held outside a church or religious center, they can still incorporate many religious and spiritual practices. Some families may also choose to hold part of a service at their home or church and other services at a funeral home.
During a funeral service, it is common for attendees to share a few words or memories or to recite a meaningful passage. The level of formality varies, with some services encouraging attendees to speak as they feel compelled to do so and more formal services adhering to a schedule of events.
Traditional funeral processions began as a way to accompany the departed on foot to their resting place. Today, this is often done via a vehicular procession that the funeral home arranges.
The Mourning Period (El Luto)
Some recognize a formal mourning period, or el luto. The length of this formal period varies greatly depending on the family and the individual. Some may observe it for a year or longer, while others continue to gather and connect in remembrance for several days, weeks or months after the funeral.
While el luto is traditionally a formal observance period, grief is not something that follows a schedule. Families are encouraged to mourn in whatever way feels meaningful to them. Friends and community members may continue stopping by or bringing food to families in mourning long after a formal period has ended.
Honoring Your Family’s Traditions in the Bronx
For families wishing to honor a loved one’s Dominican culture in the Bronx, it’s important to choose a funeral home that recognizes the significance of both traditional and nontraditional rituals. Bronx Funeral Home is here to support you in observing whatever practices you choose.
We provide various additions to help families recognize and uphold traditional Dominican funeral traditions, such as the following:
- Full visitation options: Families who incorporate a velorio into their loved one’s mourning and funeral practices often choose our full visitation option. We provide a comfortable, dignified place at our funeral home to hold the viewing or wake. These areas can be separate from a reception area so attendees have a place to gather before and after visitation.
- Religious and secular services: We have the ability to facilitate traditional religious services that honor your loved one’s faith, whether Catholic, Protestant or beyond. We also have visitation packages that do not include religious formalities if you prefer a more secular or personalized approach.
- Virtual visitation: We understand the importance of honoring the concept of cumplir, the deep duty or wish that many who knew your loved one may feel to attend services or pay their respects. That is why we have a virtual visitation option for long-distance or housebound friends and family to attend services and say their farewells. Virtual visitation takes place over Zoom, and we take care of the technical logistics so you can focus on being present.
- Memorial pages: Your loved one will receive a dedicated memorial page on our website where friends, family, and community members from around the world can leave a message, share a story or pay tribute. This is our way of ensuring there is always a place to honor the departed. Our website also makes it easy to send flowers.
Let Bronx Funeral Home Help You Honor Your Loved One
We understand the importance of honoring your loved one’s Dominican heritage. Bronx Funeral Home is ready to help you plan a funeral or visitation service that incorporates the traditions and practices that matter most to your family. From burial and entombment to funeral services as unique as your loved one, we are here to help you through the arrangement process and beyond with compassion.
To learn more about our offerings or to request a virtual or in-person meeting, fill out our online contact form, and we will be in touch shortly.
