While many regions in the Dominican Republic grow cigar tobacco and are home to cigar factories, Santiago de los Caballeros is the epicenter of the Dominican cigar industry. With Procigar being a celebration of Dominican culture and cigars, today, we take a step back and look at this vibrant city.
Background
Santiago De Los Caballeros (often called Santiago) is the is the second-biggest city in the Dominican Republic (behind Santo Domingo) and the fourth-largest in the Caribbean region. As of 2022, the city had just over 770,000 people, and the Santiago metro area had just under one million.
Santiago is a city that boasts one of the oldest European settlements in the New World. There is some debate about whether it was founded by Christopher Columbus or his brother Bartholomew. The city’s full name translates to “Saint James of the Knights.” The Caballeros, or Knights, were members of the Order of St. James who relocated from the nearby settlement of La Isabela to Santiago, leading to the name Santiago De Los Caballeros.
Geography
Santiago is located in the north-central part of the Dominican Republic. It is in the Cibao Valley, one of the country’s most fertile valleys and home to many cigar farms.
Santiago’s terrain is hilly, and one of its more famous areas is Camp David, located on one of the city’s highest elevations. The average temperature in Santiago is about 75 degrees Fahrenheit in February. Still, on a cloudy day, it gets chilly at Camp David, and the temperature could dip into the high 50s. Camp David was once an option for the Procigar Festival, but many Uber drivers were reluctant to go there, making it difficult to get to and from the festival.
Zona Franca
Many cigar companies are located in “Zona Franca” industrial parks. “Zona Franca” means “free zone.” When it comes to trade, having these areas provides a strategic advantage to those companies located there. Under the Dominican free zone system, national and foreign investors are exempt from customs taxes, income taxes, and other fiscal duties. This system also offers a production and export model that is entirely free of all national taxes.
The Surrounding Agricultural Regions
There are many regions that are suitable for growing crops. Depending on the agricultural operation you consult, some may point to areas north of the city. For instance, Fuente might mention that Bonao, located south of Santiago, is known for producing some of the best tobacco. Meanwhile, people at General Cigar might suggest Mao, which is situated to the west.
Folks who have been to Nicaragua’s epicenter for the cigar industry, Estelí, will probably have noticed the close proximity of the factories and farms to each other. It’s a little more spread out in Santiago. Given Santiago is significantly larger and more populated (Estelí has a population of about 100,000 and is much smaller), it does take longer to get from place to place because of the traffic. While you’re bound to hit traffic at Procigar when traveling to a farm or factory, it allows you to see the landscape and the city.
Cuisine
Santiago might be one of the most underrated places on the planet when it comes to cuisine. Topping the list is Saga Restaurant, which I have dubbed “Best Restaurant on Planet Earth.” It was founded by Augusto Reyes of De Los Reyes Cigars and offers Caribbean and International cuisine, highlighted by its famous tomahawk steak. They also have a cigar club where you can dine and smoke. If you book the De Los Reyes tour at Procigar, you will get to have at Saga.
Another fantastic place is Noah. They also offer Dominican and International cuisine, highlighted by risotto, chiva (goat), sushi, and seafood dishes.
When it comes to finding authentic Italian food in Santiago, it is hard to top Il Pasticco. The beef lasagna, cannelloni, and fish are amazing.
Finally, if you are a fan of beer, you will want to get some Presidente beer. It is owned by Cervecería Nacional Dominicana. Grupo León Jimenes (the folks that own La Aurora) has a minority stake in that company. Yes, you can get it in the U.S., but there is still something special about having Presidente beer in the Dominican Republic.
Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración
The “Monument” is the most iconic sight in Santiago. Located on a hill in the center of the city, it stands as Santiago’s tallest building. It was constructed during the dictatorship of Rafael Leónidas Trujillo in 1944, marking the 100th anniversary of Dominican independence from Haiti, and was originally named El Monumento a la Paz de Trujillo in homage to himself. After Trujillo’s assassination in 1961, the monument was renamed Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración to honor those who fought in the Dominican Restoration War from 1863 to 1865.
The Procigar Festival is the only occasion when the Monument is open for a private event, specifically, the annual Procigar White Party.
Photo Credits: Cigar Coop
