Reynaldo De Jesús is 62 years old, he was born in a small field called La Estancia, in Villa Altagracia. His childhood, marked by rural life, took a turn at the age of 9 when he moved with his father to Holy Domingeither. In the city, he faced the first difficulties of the urban lifeworking as a construction worker and in construction. At the age of 18 he discovered the trade that would accompany him for the rest of his life: the manufacture of charamicos.
His father had been one of the first to make christmas charmscreating these decorations for a year on the extension of Abraham Lincoln Avenue. Although his father did not continue with this company, Reynaldo decided to go his own way and open a small business. craft stall. This modest business, which began with effort and perseverance, has been his faithful companion throughout the years. Today, the stall is located on the busy corner of the Winston Churchill Avenue with Francisco Lavandier, in Santo Domingo.
Time not only consolidated its jobbut also his personal life. Reynaldo met his wife, got married and started a family, whom he gradually integrated into the business. Currently, it is his sons who manage the position, always under his guidance and experience.
The manufacturing of charamicos has evolved from the early days when only christmas trees with cement bases. Creations now include a wide variety of decorations: pine trees, baskets, donkeys, angels and stars, all painted in bright colors that capture the christmas spirit. This job is not just a family tradition for the De Jesús, but an expression of the rich dominican culture.
The charamicoswhose origins date back to the 70s, are a christmas symbol deeply rooted in the identity of the Dominican Republic. Initially designed with dry branches to represent figures of the mangerover time they have diversified and become an essential element of the christmas decoration. The making of these pieces is a process that begins months before, with the collection of branches and roots that dry in the sun, and then they are molded, woven and painted with care.
Despite not being the oldest manufacturers nor the only ones in the country, Reynaldo and his family are an example of perseverance and dedication. Your work not only keeps this alive traditionbut also highlights the importance of valuing the effort behind each handmade piece. In each charamic What comes out of their hands is a story of struggle, love for culture and, above all, a commitment to Dominican identity.
