A few minutes from the municipality of San José de Ochoa is a community rich in natural and cultural elements. We are referring to El Naranjal, a model town that transpires work, beauty and kindness.
Emergence
El Naranjal does not escape the primordial origin and the probable incursion of maroons into the territory it occupies today. However, a defining episode for the establishment of the community we know today was the arrival of Arabs and Spaniards in the 19th century. In her book “Memories of El Naranjal”, Fanny Santana mentions the possibility that the name was given by the Arabs, impressed by the yellowish landscape of the so-called Loma Redonda, then populated with lush and abundant orange trees, and with the aroma of orange blossom that flooded the environment.
Some community members agree with this version, which has been transmitted to them by their ancestors. It is worth noting that these foreigners and their descendants contributed to the development of El Naranjal during the 20th century.
Cultural Reserve
Despite the inevitable passage of time and the evolution of customs and traditions, El Naranjal still retains an exquisite taste of the first half of the 20th century. Although increasingly rare, it is still possible to find houses made of palm boards, famous for their durability and level of protection from the elements. Kitchens with yaguas roofs may now be synonymous with poverty, but they represent important episodes of the past of this agricultural, artisanal and hard-working community, in a general sense.
In some houses we can find, well preserved, traditional instruments for agriculture, such as a plow or a yoke. Also jars, fig trees, stoves and other accessories that qualify as relics or strongholds of the past.
Flora and fauna
Its vegetation is enviable. A great variety of flowers adorns this community, making it an important reference of beauty. The landscape is adorned with: the trinitaria violet, maguey flowers, cañafistola and cayenne; but also a diversity of roses, among many other beautiful species.
We can also find areas populated with mahogany trees, as well as palm groves, which serve to protect the waters of the area. Educator Silvia Van Der Linde points out the importance of conserving and reestablishing the gallery forest in order to protect the El Naranjal stream, which is highly valued by farmers and local inhabitants.
The birds give a particular touch to an naranjalero dawn, finding the palm cigua, the bobo bird and the woodpecker; the thick-billed ravisher, the partridge and the nightingale, among other species. It is usual to see in the firmament the slow step of the red-headed vulture, circulating in search of carrion: it prowls as if it were a scene of the North American Old West.
Its inhabitants respect the local flora and fauna. A leafy tree outside Doña Aida Santana’s house is proof of this. The arrival of the yellow cigua made this tree its favorite breeding place. Their nests, perfectly woven with palm leaf threads, multiply rapidly and are cared for by the whole neighborhood.
The guineas are also present despite the fact that poachers sometimes decide to make them their prey. Guineas seem to have a sixth sense that alerts them to danger. Shooters comment on the audacity of these birds; they argue that the flock is preceded by a scout guinea, with the mission of approving or disapproving the route.
Agriculture and beekeeping
El Naranjal remains at the forefront of agricultural technology, having installed modern greenhouses. But it still preserves the tradition of orchards and open fields, carried out by its inhabitants with the purpose of obtaining a dignified subsistence. Coffee, avocados, pigeon peas, oranges, bananas, plantains, mangoes and other agricultural products are grown there.
There are apiaries for the collection of the medicinal bee honey, which is commercialized throughout the province of San José de Ocoa and beyond. For those who are not accustomed to country life, participating in the daily life of the campesinos can be an unforgettable adventure.
Typical handicrafts
El Naranjal has a tradition of craftsmanship, in elements that represent the peasant of the last century. Its inhabitants are skilled in the craft of making argans for riding horses, donkeys and mules. They are also masters in the manufacture of handcrafted chairs with guano seats, as well as other furniture and braided objects.
A progressive society
For many years, the naranjaleros had to go to the town of Ocoa to receive the bread of education. First on the back of beasts; later on in “bolas” and later in motoconchos and in vehicles authorized for mass transportation. But the difficulties did not discourage them, and today there are many outstanding professionals who have seen the fruit of their rustic journey on dusty roads and highways.
In terms of community efforts, El Naranjal has social organizations that follow up on activities of benefit and progress for its inhabitants, such as the María Trinidad Sánchez Women’s Association and Asoprobina, an active group responsible for managing important works for the people of El Naranjal. In terms of recreation, in addition to the traditional sports, women are present through the Luis Castillo Women’s League, where they exercise, socialize and show their softball skills.
In terms of agriculture, environment, housing and other areas, El Naranjal has received the support of the Association for the Development of San José de Ocoa, Inc.
They always come back
From El Naranjal have come dozens of hard-working and progressive men and women, whose common factor is that they never leave their land. Whenever necessary, the community receives the warmth of their absent children, who are accustomed to be in solidarity with the causes that arise there.
Although the passage of time is inevitable and customs tend to change, an important part of this land continues to cherish the magical-religious traditions.
El Naranjal keeps alive the candlelight nights and the singing of salves, among other manifestations from the past. Many of these celebrations are encouraged by the absentees, who always return with affection and enthusiasm to share nostalgia, warmth, stories and hopes with those who stayed in the place.
Roberto Santana and his donkey
It was in the 80’s when I first heard Roberto Santana in an interview referring to his high school days. He recalled when he had to travel daily from El Naranjal to San José de Ocoa to attend school. He did it on the back of a donkey, which he tied up in the courtyard of Ducho Martinez and Grecia Pimentel, on Luperon Street. Later
I heard him repeat that story in various settings. Roberto later became an inspirational spark for a large part of the youth of his community, eager for progress and better living conditions.
In the second half of the 20th century, Roberto was a determined fighter for freedom and human rights, becoming president of the Federation of Dominican Students and rector of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo. Today he is a multifaceted professional, expert in the reform of the penitentiary system.
Loma Redonda
The depredation of Loma Redonda, which is shared by El Naranjal and Sabana Larga, is well known. It is a promontory that stands out for its beauty and ecological richness, serving as a lung for San José de Ocoa. It also represents great hydrological importance for our country.
Groups of friends of the ecosystems and community organizations launched their battle cry and managed to call the attention of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, to prevent a use that could undermine its historical and cultural value and as a reserve of life. The event gave rise to a movement to have Loma Redonda declared a protected area.
During the hot summer, its dense vegetation serves to cool and protect from the sun’s rays. In the winter, it is a wonderful experience for those who love low temperatures.
Community Tourism
Estancia El Potrerito, which began as a family recreation center, has now become an interesting community tourism project, still under development. This place includes attractions of coexistence with the abundant flora and fauna, as well as traditional facilities, such as: an area for events, a refreshing swimming pool, eco-friendly lodging and the rich experience of living with the surrounding community.
El Naranjal is within easy reach of other locations, including Ocoa, Sabana Larga and La Ciénaga, with all their dependencies. This makes the visit more enjoyable, as it is not limited to local resources.
