SANTO DOMINGO – Family, friends, and loved ones gathered early in the morning at the site known as Ground Zero to participate in a memorial mass for the victims of the tragedy that occurred on April 8 of last year, considered the worst in the country's recent history, with a death toll of 236 and more than 180 injured. The atmosphere was marked by solemnity, nostalgia, and a pain that, a year after the event, remains palpable.
The ceremony began at 10 o'clock sharp, as scheduled. After the welcoming remarks, Father Rogelio Cruz entered along with other priests, leading a Mass that united not only the faith of those present, but also their need to be heard.
A homily turned into a complaint
During his address, the priest questioned the absence of authorities and the lack of answers regarding the legal proceedings. “Where are the senators? Where are the authorities?” he asked, prompting reactions from the attendees, who murmured the same question.
She also pointed out shortcomings in the justice system, calling the situation a mockery of the victims and their families. Her words resonated with the audience, who accompanied her message with gestures of approval and an increasingly indignant atmosphere.
Between faith and the demand for justice
The celebration continued with the Eucharistic liturgy, the central moment of the Mass in which the body and blood of Christ are consecrated. Despite the solemn nature of the service, the cry for justice remained present, constantly repeated by the attendees and the priest himself.
After several minutes of praise, the priest requested that song "Sobreviviré " be played as a symbolic tribute to the victims. Those present embraced the song as a reminder that, despite the tragedy, those who died remain in the collective memory.
Tributes, survivors and organization of the event
At the conclusion of the mass, a tribute ceremony took place in which the names of the victims were read aloud, generating moments of deep emotion among those present.
Space was also offered to survivors, including Ana María Ramírez, who had to relearn how to walk after being trapped during the nightclub collapse. She is currently part of the Jet Set Justice Movement, the event's organizer.
The event, which had been postponed due to torrential rains that affected the country, brought together dozens of people in a shared space of remembrance and protest. With the support of the National District Mayor's Office, a kitchen was also set up to provide food for attendees.
As part of the operation, the mayor's office carried out a partial closure on Independencia Avenue, specifically in the section between San Juan Bautista Street and Núñez de Cáceres Avenue, which will extend until Friday, April 10 at noon, with the objective of guaranteeing the safety and organization of the commemorative activities.
One year after the tragedy, the message remains strong among those who attended: the pain persists, but so does the demand for justice.
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