Dominican Republic Independence

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#Independence#DominicanRepublic, February 27th, 2024 – The Dominican Republic is now 180 years independent after splitting up with Haiti in 1844 On February 27th, the day of independence. 

This day is recognized as a public holiday when today’s citizens celebrate their culture and pay tribute to those who bravely fought colonisers, which later on led to the independent nation it is today.

The Dominican Republic’s story to independence dates back to 1821 when the island of Hispaniola, made up of today’s Haiti and the Dominican Republic, overthrew Spanish Colonisers.

Following this victory, the two nations united to form one nation until The Dominican Republic declared independence in 1844, when a group called La Trinitaria fought for its sovereignty, starting a movement led by Writer and activist Juan Pablo Duarte, who is commonly called the father of the Dominican Republic.

Many around the world joined in on celebrating the nation’s independence. This morning at 10:00 a.m., Jersey City in collaboration with the Juan Pablo Duarte Association, held a flag raising ceremony  at City Hall at 289 Grove Street.

Their day of Independence falls in line with the month-long celebration of Carnaval de la Vega where citizens sport colorful and exciting costumes and masks. They also indulge in traditional delicacies like bacalao (dried, salted cod) and mangu (mashed plantains).