In the Dominican Republic, Restoration Day is a public holiday that’s observed on the 16th of August. Known as “El día de la Restauración Dominicana,” this holiday commemorates the day in 1863 when the Dominican Restoration War began.
The result of this war was that the Spanish left the country, and the Dominican Republic held an election every 4-years to elect their president. And the president is seated on this holiday. This is also a day when the current president gives the citizens of the Dominican Republic an idea of what he has done throughout the past year.
The History Of Restoration Day In The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic gained its independence from Haiti in 1844. The president of the Dominican Republic, Pedro Santana, would end up signing a pact with Spain in 1861 to revert the country back to a Spanish colony. This was done for economic and political reasons.
Forced Spanish colonization of the Dominican Republic only weakened Santana’s rule, instead of strengthening it as he had hoped. This resulted in a failed rebellion and Santana eventually resigned from office in January of 1862.
On August 16th, 1863, Santiago Rodrigues and 15 men made a raid on the city of Dajabon and raised the Dominican Flag on Capotillo Hill. This action would begin the Dominican Restoration War that was fought between nationalists Dominicans and Spanish forces.
This war would end on March 3rd, 1865, when Queen Isabel II of Spain repealed the Dominican Republic’s reinstatement to Spain. On July 15th, 1865, the last of the Spanish troops would leave the country, and the Dominican Republic would be its own country once again.
Observing Restoration Day In The Dominican Republic
As we mentioned earlier, this holiday is the date when the president of the Dominican Republic officially takes office, or if they’re already in office, it’s the day when they deliver a “State of the Country” address. It’s also a day celebrated with parades, festivals, concerts, and other events.
When is Restoration Day in Dominican Republic? |
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| This year (2023) | August 16 (Wednesday) |
| Next year (2024) | August 16 (Friday) |
| Last year (2022) | August 16 (Tuesday) |