Dominican Republic Independence Day

Dominican Republic Independence Day

February 27In the 1830s Juan Pablo Duarte (1813-1876)—known as "the father of Dominican independence"—organized a secret society known as La Trinitaria to fight the Haitians. After a long struggle, independence was finally declared on February 27, 1844. Although disorder, dictatorships, and intermittent peace characterized the Dominican Republic's history until the U.S. Marines occupied it from 1916 to 1924 to keep peace between rival political groups, February 27 is still observed as the country's Independence Day and is celebrated with parades and political meetings.
The site of the proclamation, Independence Park, contains a shrine known as the Altar de la Patria, "the nation's altar," honoring the three founders of the Republic—Duarte, Ramón Mella, and Juan Sánchez Ramírez. Duarte's birthday, January 26, is also a public holiday, celebrated as Duarte Day.
Dominican Republicans usually celebrate Carnival along with Independence Day. Thousands gather in the capital, Santo Domingo, for the traditional day-long parade and street party.
CONTACTS:
Dominican Republic Tourism Office
136 E. 57th St., Ste. 803
New York, NY 10022
888-374-6361 or 212-588-1012; fax: 212-588-1015
www.godominicanrepublic.com
SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 15, 33
NatlHolWrld-1968, p. 27