Cabrera

**Cabrera** is a town in the María Trinidad Sánchez Province of the Dominican Republic. Located on the coast of the country's northeast corner, the town is adjacent to Scottish Bay. The population was 24,218 at the 2012 census.

## Cabrera

### Region

María Trinidad Sánchez Province
Cibao NE

## Overview

Cabrera is a smaller, oceanfront, rural community perched on soaring sea cliffs hugging the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. It is located between Rio San Juan and Nagua in the province of Maria Trinidad Sanchez. Although not traditionally considered a popular tourist destination, Cabrera nevertheless boasts many of the most magnificent vacation villas and sweeping ocean vistas in the Dominican Republic. Upon arrival to the town, one can immediately sense the serenity, charm and laid-back atmosphere combined with the exceptionally friendly locals happy to welcome you to their community and the unique topography of the area; it's this exclusive combination that makes Cabrera truly unique.

The city proper of Cabrera generally has about 6,000 people while the entire municipality boasts 25,000 at last census. And woven seamlessly within are growing ex-pat residential communities from Canada, France, United States, Western Europe, and South Korea, all combining to make a warm, friendly, unspoiled community. You will not find any all-inclusive resorts in Cabrera or beaches overcrowded with tourists. Cabrera's charming and pristine character has been sustained through strong community relations between the locals and ex-pats, all of who call this place 'home' and are very proud to do so.

## History

Since its foundation day on July 1, 1891, this area was originally known as *Tres Amarras* (*English: "Three ties"*). This unique name was due to the fact that during his first trip to the New World, Christopher Columbus stopped near the place and ordered to reinforce the moorings (or ties) of his boats so as not to capsize due to bad weather.

The city was renamed to 'Cabrera' in honor of the hero of the Capotillo Battle, General José Cabrera. It was created as a cantonal post in 1891.

After the creation of the María Trinidad Sánchez province in 1959, Cabrera became one of its municipalities.

## Geography

Located facing the Atlantic, Cabrera has beaches, rivers, exotic vegetation and other natural features and attractions. A National Park reserve is located in **El Breton**, a small section of Cabrera called Cabo Francés Viejo (*Cape Old Frenchman*). Cabrera is one of the four municipalities that divides the province of María Trinidad Sánchez. It is bordered on the north and east by the Atlantic Ocean, on the south by the city of Nagua, and on the west by the town of Río San Juan.

It has two municipal districts: **Arroyo Salado** and **La Entrada**.

Local beaches include El Diamante (Diamond Beach), Playa La Entrada, El Caleton de Dario, El Caleton del Medio, and El Caleton Chiquito.

## Economy

Cabrera, unlike most coastal towns, does not depend so much on tourism. Cabrera’s main source of income is cattle, meat, milk, fresh fish, and shellfish. In the agricultural aspect, production of coconuts and rice are noticeable sources as well.

Foreign investment in Cabrera comes not from the tourists but mostly from those ex-pats who are living within the community itself as residents. The majority of income generated in Cabrera comes from local agricultural efforts while the ex-pat and tourist businesses contribute significantly as well. Indeed, one of the largest consistent contributors to local income are the luxury vacation villas scattered throughout the area with a heavier concentration in the gated, beachfront community of Orchid Bay Estates.

## Heritage

Cabrera’s mainstream religion is the Christian Evangelic Church; this is not true for most towns in the island since Catholicism is the official religion in the Dominican Republic. However, Cabrera has a prominent and recently renovated Catholic church located in the city center.

The patron saint festivities of Cabrera are celebrated on **September 24** in honor of the Virgen de Las Mercedes.

## Tourism

This municipality attracts many tourists each year given its beautiful beaches and ecotourism destinations to enjoy. Its beaches include Playa Diamante, Playa La Entrada, Playa Arroyo Salado and Playa El Bretón.

The Cabo Fránces Viejo Natural Monument is a coastal plateau famous for its beautiful panoramic views and peaceful atmosphere.

The Laguna El Dudú is a recreational park with two freshwater lakes, and it is one of the ideal places to practice speleological diving, since the two bodies of water are directly connected through underground tunnels.

## References

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