27th of February (Dominican Republic Independence Day)

Today is Independence Day in the Dominican Republic. It is one of the few national holidays celebrated where almost everyone is off of work and able to enjoy the day with family and friends. Mark and I just got back from a run along the Malecon (the boardwalk that follows the curve of the ocean for miles and miles in Santo Domingo) and it was already filled with vendors selling empanadas, rum, popsicles and kids with kites.

Here's a little background about this independence day, February 27:

Juan Pablo Duarte was born in Santo Domingo January 26, 1813. His family left Dominican Republic in 1801 when the Haitian troops, Toussaint L'Ouverture, took possession of the city. They fled to Puerto Rico, residing there until the Spanish regained control of part the country in the War of Reconquista in 1809.

In 1831 or 32 he returned to Santo Domingo and he worked in his fathers business. Juan Pablo, having such an outgoing personality, had a great social life and was soon became a well known personality and attended all the important functions of the time. He was also very patriotic and he strongly disliked the presence of Haitians in the country. Duarte was very patriotic and began organizing the historical movement as not to accept Haitian domination. His philosophy is between "Dominican and the Haitians a fusion is not possible". This impossibility did not come from racial differences but the cultural ways that the Dominican society was based on at that time, He based his ideas on the political doctrines of the time that he learned in Spain, romanticism, liberalism, the nationalism and the idealist socialism.

On 27 February 1844, an attempt was made to take over the country from Haitian rule. This time it was successful. The country declared its independence again and took the name República Dominicana (Dominican Republic). A constitution modeled on that of the United States was put forth in November 1844. Dominicans celebrate February 27 as their independence day. Word was sent to Duarte, who was then staying in Venezuela to return to Santo Domingo to take part in the beginning of the government of the new republic.

Here is a part of a speech given by George W. Bush in 2003 at a DR Independence Day Reception:

...On this day in 1844, a proud people declared independence and put the Dominican Republic on a path towards democracy. Today we celebrate the anniversary of Dominican independence and the love of liberty that unites all Dominicans and Americans. I'm glad you're celebrating this special day at the White House, which stands as a symbol of freedom worldwide.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/02/20030227-1.html