DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TO CELEBRATE 153RD

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Tainos, an Arawak-speaking people, originally occupied the island of Hispaniola, of which the Dominican Republic forms the eastern two-thirds and Haiti the remainder. Yet, like many other islands colonized by Europeans, the Tainos and their culture became separated. While Spanish settlers occupied the Dominican Republic, Haiti was relinquished to France in 1697. Settlers in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic brought African slaves to work in plantations. In 1804, Haiti became a republic and in 1822, Haiti seized control of the entire island.

There were many Dominicans who were against Haiti’s invasion and wanted sovereignty. In 1844, Dominicans, under the command of Juan Pablo Duarte, led a revolution against Haiti. On February 27, 1844, independence was proclaimed in the name of God, Country and Liberty. While the Dominican Republic was able to gain its independence from Haiti, throughout the years that followed there have been many economic challenges, as well as unstable governments that have hampered the country’s ability to stabilize its economic base.

For this reason many Dominicans have left their homeland in search of better opportunities abroad, but they still retain allegiance to the principles behind their country’s fight for independence. Jocelyn Chalas, a Dominican Republic native now living in Springfield, says, “Independence for me is a symbol of having my own identity and culture. It is inspiring for me to know and understand that I have a language because of the sacrifices made by those who fought for my freedom.”

Each year the Dominican flag is raised at Springfield City Hall. This year the flag raising will take place on February 24 at 12:00 noon. To learn more about this event, please contact the Dominican Cultural Center president, Nelson Rosario at (413) 732-0380.

Resource: https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/print/dr.html