27 FEB? IT’S DOMINICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY!
![independence-day-dia-independencia-punta-cana-dominican-republic a group of people in costumes](https://bestofpuntacana.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3808/2018/02/independence-day-dia-independencia-punta-cana-dominican-republic.jpg?w=1000&h=1000&zoom=2)
Happy Independence Day! As we celebrate the Dominican Republic’s 174th day of independence, it’s good to look back at the events that brought us here. The 27th of February is a day of festivity, freedom and dancing. How about a short history lesson before we head off to the party?
1844: independence for the Dominican Republic
As two-in-one-island, the Dominican Republic and Haiti used to be united under the Haitian government as Hispaniola for a period of 22 years. Haiti had more economical and military power than the former Spanish colony, and so happened to overthrow the island. Dominicans agreed to unite, as Haiti was seen as an ally and they could see themselves having more political power. Unfortunately, the mismanagement of Haitian government pressed the Dominicans to rally – they felt oppressed. A conspiracy in Santo Domingo formed by founding father Juan Pablo Duarte and about 100 Dominicans, called La Trinitaria, managed to challenge and attack the Haitians. On the 27th of February 1844, their efforts were successful, and the Dominican Republic became an autonomous nation.
Freedom Day in Punta Cana
As everyone in the Dominican Republic treks to the streets for Independence Day and all children are free, Punta Cana will become festive too! Think house parties, BBQs, pool parties and cheerful beach gatherings. Whether you are in Bávaro, Macao, Uvero Alto or even in a more remote resort – people will celebrate around you. So have some cocktails and join the fun! This is how you can participate:
- Watch the Presidential Speech on a television near you
- Count the Dominican flags in your neighbourhood!
- Dress in red, white and blue, the colours of the Dominican Republic. Red representing the blood of the liberators, blue representing God’s blessings over the nation and white being the symbol of the white cross, a reuniting of the two, presenting freedom.
- Cook Dominican food. Need inspiration? Try our pastelón recipe.
- Dance the night away and celebrate with locals at Drink Point Bávaro where you can practice those merengue moves we taught you or find a gas station like Sunix near to San Juan Shopping Center where people will be celebrating outside too.
We’d like to hear from you! What did you experience while celebrating Independence Day in Punta Cana? Tweet at us @bestofpuntacanaofficial!
Photo: Dreams Punta Cana celebration Independence Day