Santo Domingo.- Today, on February 27, the Dominican Republic marks the 180th anniversary of its independence, commemorating the historic declaration that severed the Spanish-speaking part of the island from the western region, which was under the control of French-speaking inhabitants (Haiti).
The announcement of Haiti’s separation took place at the Mercy Gate, signified by Ramón Matías Mella firing the blunderbuss on the night of February 27, 1844, concluding a 22-year period of Haitian dominance.
On this significant date, the tricolor flag was hoisted at the Count’s door by the distinguished Francisco del Rosario Sánchez. Both Mella and Sánchez were guided by the ideals of the national founder, Juan Pablo Duarte.
The conclusion of Haitian occupation was joyously embraced by the residents of Santo Domingo, who predominantly displayed Spanish flags, interspersed with a few French ones.
The journey to independence was paved by the establishment of the Trinitaria, a group initiated by Duarte to advocate patriotic ideals and the separatist agenda.