logo
  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class

855-997-4652LoginTry a Free Class

  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class
logo
  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class

855-997-4652LoginTry a Free Class

  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class
February 27, 2021 by Luis F. Dominguez Hispanic Culture 0 comments

The History of Dominican Republic’s Independence Day

Every year, the Dominican Republic celebrates its Independence Day on February 27th. But do you know what’s behind that date? How did the Dominican people succeed in their long struggle for freedom? 

Keep reading because I can assure you that this is one story you don’t want to miss. Understand the background of the fight for independence in 19th century Dominican Republic and its wars of independence against different powers. Also, you’ll learn about how Dominicans celebrate Independence Day, their national symbols, and useful Spanish vocabulary related to the topic. 

History of Dominican Republic’s Independence Day 

The history behind Dominican Republic’s struggle for independence is one of the most extraordinary and convoluted ones in the Americas. 

For starters, Dominican Republic is one of the few countries in the world that have fought and won their independence twice. First from Spain in 1821 and then from Haiti in 1844. It’s the second one that Dominicans celebrate every February 27th, as that was the date in 1844 when a secret society known as La Trinitaria (The Trinity) started the Independence war against the Haitian regime. 

However, that’s not all. The island that’s today divided into two countries, Dominican Republic and Haiti, had been called La Hispaniola by the Spaniards since the time of Christopher Columbus. It was the Spaniards’ first settlement in the Americas, and it grew in importance during the first century of Spanish rule. 

Nevertheless, this situation changed when gold was discovered in Mexico and Peru. By 1697, the Spaniards lost the western side of the island (Haiti) to the French—and by 1795, the whole island. 

By 1814, the Spaniards recaptured the eastern side of the island, only to lose it again due to the first successful independence of the Dominic Republican which was hoping to join the Republic of Gran Colombia. But this project never materialized, and in 1822, Haiti conquered the whole island. Haiti remained in power for 22 years, until February 27th, 1844, when Dominicans finally won their independence for good. 

If you followed closely, you’ve noticed that over the last 500 years the Dominican Republic was under the rule of Spain, France, Spain again, and Haiti. No wonder Dominican people celebrate their independence for a whole month every year. 

Dominican Republic

How Dominican People Celebrate Their Independence Day?

Although Dominican people celebrate their Independence Day on February 27th every year, the whole month of February is known as “Patriotism Month.” Celebrations start on January 26th, with the commemoration of the birth of national hero and founding father Juan Pablo Duarte. 

Throughout the month, Dominicans celebrate their history, culture, and heritage. And here comes the cool twist: since Carnival takes place in the same month, they include it in their independence celebrations, which has to make it one of the most unique Independence Day celebrations in the world. 

On February 27th, Dominicans pay tribute to their Founding Fathers at the Puerta del Conde in Santo Domingo, the president of the country gives a speech broadcasted to the whole nation, and people hang Dominican flags from their balconies and eat traditional dishes such as bacalao and mangu. 

Finally, Dominicans celebrate “Carnival style” on the streets of every town in the country, but especially in La Vega, a city located 120 kilometers north of the capital city of Santo Domingo. Here, the festive mood and patriotic pride of Dominicans mix to produce a celebration of legendary proportions.  

Dominican Republic’s National Symbols

The Dominican Republic’s national symbols include their flag, coat of arms, and national anthem. Let’s learn more about each one of them: 

The Flag

As with most Latin American countries, the national flag of the Dominican Republic was created during their war of independence. It makes sense, as that was the time when the idea of new nations swept the continent. 

The flag was the idea of Dominican national hero Juan Pablo Duarte, and designed by two women: Concepción Bona and Maria Trinidad Sanchez. It was flown for the first time in 1844. 

The design of the flag introduces a white cross in the center, just as in other Christian nations (Switzerland, Scotland, etc.), and four rectangles in dark blue and red. In the center of the cross appears the Dominican Coat of Arms.

Dominican Republic
Source

The Coat of Arms

Designed by Dominican politician, Casemiro Nemesio de Moya, the official Coat of Arms of the Dominican Republic features a shield with the combination of colors of the flag (blue, red, and white), with six spears, a yellow cross, and a Bible opened to John 8:32: “Y la verdad os hará libres” (And the truth shall make you free). 

A laurel branch and a palm frond are on either side of the shield. Below it, a red ribbon bears the name of the country in yellow, and above the shield, the national motto: Dios, Patria, Libertad (God, Fatherland, Liberty).

Dominican Republic
Source

The National Anthem

The Dominican Republic’s national anthem was composed in 1882 by Emilio Prud’Homme (lyrics) and Jose Rufino Reyes y Siancas (music). However, due to political infighting it wasn’t officially adopted until 1934. 

An interesting fact about the anthem is that there’s no use of the Spanish name of the country República Dominicana, nor of the Spanish demonym for Dominican people dominicanos. However, Quisqueya, the indigenous word for the island, and its demonym quisqueyanos are used several times. This reflects the anti-Spanish sentiment of the age, when most newly independent nations in Latin America saw Spain as a threat and their enemy. 

Dominican Republic’s Independence Day: Vocabulary  

Now that you know the history and the national symbols of the Dominican Republic, it’s time to learn some vocabulary related to their Independence Day. 

Bandera – flag

Escudo – coat of arms

Himno nacional – national anthem

Guerra de Independencia – independence war

héroe nacional – national hero

lanza – spear

cruz – cross

Biblia – Bible

rama – branch

listón – ribbon

desfile – parade

tributo – tribute

discurso – speech 

carnaval – carnival 

Learn Latin American History in Spanish 

The Dominican Republic is a fascinating country with a long and rich history. Its unique situation as an island divided between two countries, and constant invasions from different powers, have massively influenced its culture and development. 

Remember that you can learn a lot about a language by studying the history and culture of the countries that speak it. To talk about history with your Spanish teacher, sign up for a free class and impress them with your knowledge of the Dominican Republic’s Independence Day. 

sign up for a free trial class

Want to learn more about Latin American culture? Check out our latest posts!

  • What’s the Spanish Lisp? All About the Ceceo
  • Guatemala’s Biggest, Most Colorful Market: Chichicastenango
  • The History and Tradition of Las Cabañuelas
  • 10 Festive Ways to Spend Christmas in Argentina
  • 12 Coolest Hispanic Holidays You Never Heard Of
  • A Brief, Intriguing History of the Spanish Royal Family
  • The ‘Vulgar’ History and Origin of the Spanish Language
  • The Tantalizing Guide to Spanish (and Latin American) Cheeses
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Follow me
Luis F. Dominguez
Freelance Writer at Homeschool Spanish Academy
Luis F. Domínguez is a freelance writer and independent journalist interested in travel, languages, art, books, history, philosophy, politics and sports. He has written for Fodor’s, Yahoo!, Sports Illustrated, Telemundo, and Villa Experience, among other brands of print and digital media in Europe and North America.
Follow me
Latest posts by Luis F. Dominguez (see all)
  • What’s the Spanish Lisp? All About the Ceceo - December 31, 2022
  • Top 10 Inspiring Art Books for Kids Who Homeschool - December 22, 2022
  • Ultimate Guide to 80+ Dance Vocabulary Words in Spanish - December 17, 2022
trending topics
1

Related Posts

Key Benefits of Learning Soanish

3 Key Benefits to Being Bilingual in the Workforce

March 1, 2018
Read More
Spanish Foods

Food for Thought: 6 Spanish Foods to Learn About (and try!)

June 5, 2018
Read More
bilingualism in the US

Bilingualism: How the US Compares to Other Countries

June 14, 2018
Read More
bilingual

Ahead of the Pack: How Becoming Bilingual Now Can Leap your Child Ahead of Their Peers

May 12, 2018
Read More

Leave a Comment! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your Ultimate Guide to Conditions, Illnesses, and Diseases in SpanishPrevious Post
12 Ecuadorian Slang Words for Everyday UseNext Post

About Us

With over 10 years of experience, HSA is where your goals merge with our teachers’ passion: to improve your Spanish fluency. Custom-tailored to fit your needs, you choose your program, schedule, favorite teachers, pace of learning, and more.. Learn More

Resources

  • About
  • Get a Transcript
  • FAQs
  • How it Works
  • Partners

Recent Posts

  • 100+ Basic Spanish Words and Phrases for Travelers
    100+ Basic Spanish Words and Phrases for Travelers
    January 10, 2023
    Ready to boost your Spanish skills before...
  • Homeschooling, Unschooling, or Deschooling: Which Is Right for Your Family?
    Homeschooling, Unschooling, or Deschooling: Which Is Right for Your Family?
    January 9, 2023
    When it comes to helping children learn at...

Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Contact Us© 2022 HSA. All rights reserved.