Duarte’s Day
Duarte’s Day is a public holiday observed in the Dominican Republic annually on January 26th. This holiday celebrates national hero and founding father Juan Pablo Duarte and serves as a general remembrance day for many of the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic, including Juan Sanchez Ramirez and Ramon Mella.
Dominican Republic (National holiday)Duarte organized La Trinitaria in 1838—a resistance group that operated in secret and worked against their Haitian oppressors leading up to the Dominican Republic’s declaration of independence in February 1844. Juan Pablo Duarte was born on January 26, 1813, in Santo Domingo, the Captaincy General of Santo Domingo.
A Brief Biography of Juan Pablo Duarte
Juan Pablo Duarte was a Dominican military leader, activist, nationalist, and writer who was one of the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic. He was born on January 26, 1813, in Santo Domingo during the España Boba. In 1821, the Dominican Republic gained independence from Spain but was brought under Haitian control.
In 1838, Duarte and other leaders established La Trinitaria—a secret nationalist society. This organization would become an important force in the liberation of the Dominican Republic from Haitian occupation and would eventually lead to the Dominican Republic’s independence in 1844.
Observing Duarte’s Day
Duarte’s Day is celebrated in many different ways across the Dominican Republic. In Santo Domingo, many schools organize children’s parades, and some students march until they reach Duarte’s Park.
Another event is held at the cathedral in Santo Domingo, where religious ceremonies are held in honor of Duarte. Other activities on this day include laying floral wreaths on monuments and public speeches. People also enjoy delicious dishes on this day, including roast pork and/or chicken, Pasteles en Hoja, Telera Bread, and Patties of Yucca.
Dominican Republic (National holiday)
