Dominican Republic Restoration Day

What Is Dominican Republic Restoration Day?

August 16 is "Dominican Republic Restoration Day," an official holiday commemorating the start, on this day in 1863, of the Dominican Restoration War against Spain, which had re-annexed the country. The war lasted until Spanish troops withdrew in 1865, and the Dominican Republic regained its independence.

Independence Reclaimed for the Third Time

The Dominican Republic declared independence from Spain in 1821 but soon came under the rule of neighboring Haiti. It won independence from Haiti in 1844, only to be annexed by Spain again in 1861. Restoration Day celebrates the day the fight to win back independence from that annexation began.

• Origin: On August 16, 1863, rebels raised the Dominican flag on Capotillo hill in the northwest, starting the Restoration War (the "Grito de Capotillo")
• Independence restored: In March 1865 the Spanish queen signed the annulment of the annexation, and Spanish troops withdrew in July 1865
• Background: After declaring independence in 1821 and winning independence from Haiti in 1844, the country had been re-annexed by Spain in 1861
• Significance: The restoration of 1865 is often described as the Dominican Republic's third independence
• Presidential inauguration: Every four years, the Dominican president is also sworn into office on August 16
• Status: An official holiday in the Dominican Republic

A Caribbean Nation's Long Road to Independence

Located in the eastern part of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic has a complex history of governance. This holiday symbolizes the perseverance of its people in reclaiming sovereignty despite repeated setbacks.

How to Spend Today

• Learn about the history and geography of the Dominican Republic
• Compare the independence histories of different Caribbean nations
• Explore Dominican culture and music
• Check a world map for the location of Hispaniola

The Memory of Independence, Forged Through Perseverance

Dominican Republic Restoration Day tells the story of a nation that overcame repeated hardships to defend its sovereignty. On August 16, take a moment to reflect on the journey of this Caribbean nation.