Been There – Santiago de los Caballeros
Been There Santiago is the fourth mug from the Dominican Republic.
Santiago de los Caballeros, founded in 1495 during the earliest period of Spanish colonization, is one of the Dominican Republic’s most historically important cities. After being destroyed by the earthquake of 1562, the city relocated and rebuilt, continuing to grow through the 18th and 19th centuries thanks to its fertile land and strategic location in the Cibao Valley. Its agricultural wealth and cultural influence helped shape Santiago into the strong regional center it remains today.
– The open cigar box on the mug represents Santiago’s long-standing reputation as the tobacco capital of the Dominican Republic. Ideal climate and soil conditions have supported generations of growers and artisans, and the city’s cigar factories are still among its most recognizable symbols.
– Bananas and tropical fruits highlight the rich agricultural life of the Cibao Valley. Bananas, plantains, and citrus fruits grow abundantly in the region, forming an important part of local cuisine and daily meals.
– Coffee plants symbolize the high-quality Dominican coffee cultivated in the mountains around Santiago. Coffee farming has deep roots in the area, and its aroma and flavour remain tied to everyday life in the city.
– The baseball player, glove, and ball emphasize how deeply baseball is woven into Santiago’s identity. The city is home to the famous Águilas Cibaeñas, and baseball culture thrives through community games, stadium traditions, and countless rising talents.
The landscape scene represents the lush Cibao Valley that surrounds the city. Its rolling hills and fertile fields have supported agricultural life for centuries and continue to shape the area’s character.
– The güira shown on the mug is a tribute to merengue, the Dominican Republic’s signature music. In Santiago, merengue fills festivals, family events, and everyday gatherings, adding rhythm and movement to local culture.
