Dominican sociologist and communicator Juan Cruz Triffolio has revisited his birthplace of Salcedo, walking through the town's narrow alleys while reflecting on the childhood memories and local traditions that defined his upbringing.
Writing in an opinion column published on September 11, 2026, Triffolio observed that while the town's appearance, customs, and social values have evolved over time, Salcedo retains the core identity and patriotic legacy of its most revered historic figures.
Salcedo, the capital of Hermanas Mirabal Province in the Cibao region of the Dominican Republic, is affectionately nicknamed La Tacita de Oro, or The Golden Cup. Triffolio cited the community as the historic cradle of notable Dominican patriots, including the esteemed physician Tejada Florentino, the educator Fe Violeta Ortega, and the political activist Sina Cabral.
Childhood memories and local characters
Recalling his early years, Triffolio described how rainy days transformed the streets into small water streams where local children organized paper boat races. He noted that youngsters crafted their toy vessels using paper torn from school notebooks and ice cream sticks.
The sociologist highlighted several colorful local figures who defined daily life during his youth. He remembered Papanó and Villá for their constant playful pranks, as well as an eccentric local named Bibingo, who carried a bottle of alcohol while frequently calling out for his companion Ana Celia.
Triffolio also detailed the culinary heritage of the town, recalling the aromas of hot fried snacks and stuffed delicacies prepared by doña Petra in her narrow food stall. He pointed to Morita, a cook famous for serving black rice cooked with beans alongside fried meat, and Sabiro, an outgoing local barber who kept a parrot inside his shop.
Civic responsibility was exemplified by don Guillermo, a quiet and punctual resident remembered for routinely inspecting and cleaning the town's storm drains. Triffolio stated that this dedicated maintenance represented don Guillermo's personal expression of love for Salcedo.
December traditions and social transformation
Triffolio described how December brought dramatic shifts to community life through traditional morning Christmas gatherings known as aguinaldos. He recalled don Bolo de Jesús playing the accordion, accompanied by Piquín on the metal güira scraper and Antonio Lora drumming the tambora during early dawn religious services.
The writer contrasted these communal celebrations with memories of the town's local oligarchy, who rested in rocking chairs in elegant attire while attending social dances at an exclusive club. He also paid tribute to other memorable residents, including Bichococo, known for his distinctive wandering shout, Rafucho, who carried the funeral cross one day and told humorous stories the next, and Bélgica María Minaya, known as Beco, who operated the popular Barra Popolito eatery.
Reflecting on the modern era, Triffolio acknowledged that values, habits, and the physical facade of Salcedo have evolved. However, he emphasized that the true measure of a town lies not in its buildings or streets, but in the character of its people, calling on residents to honor their ancestors by continuing to build a proud future for Salcedo.
