My name is Yudy Reyes and I work in the Human Resources Department at Franciscan Children’s as a Human Resources Assistant. In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, I’d like to share a bit about my culture.

I identify as Dominican. The Dominican Republic is a country located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean region. The population in the Dominican Republic is predominately a mix between African, European and Taínos. Taínos are indigenous inhabitants of the island of Hispaniola. The Dominican Republic is known for its breathtaking beaches, waterfalls and plantations.

There are many holidays and traditional celebrations in the Dominican Republic. One of the bigger celebrations is “El Carnaval Vegano”. This carnival first started in 1510 as a religious activity celebrating the triumph of good over evil. More recently it has morphed into a celebration of rituals, cultures and traditions inherited from the ancestors of the Dominican people. El Carnaval Vegano takes place each Sunday in February, with the last Sunday in the month dedicated to Dominican Independence Day. This festival is well-known for its good music, food, drinks and for being a colorful and vibrant celebration. Here is a quick video of what El Carnaval Vegano looks like.

One of my favorite traditional foods is Mangú, which is green plantains, butter and salt. I like to eat Mangú with fried Dominican Salami, fried cheese, and eggs topped with sautéed red onions. Here is a recipe if you’d like to try Mangú.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my culture! If you have any questions, I am happy to share more with you.