The Monday closest to the birthday of national hero Juan Pablo Duarte (1813-76) is an official day of remembrance in the Dominican Republic. Duarte organized La Trinitaria in 1838, a secret resistance group whose efforts against the Haitian occupiers culminated in the Dominican Republic’s declaration of independence in 1844. Dominicans honor Duarte Day with public fiestas in major towns throughout the country. The stateliest ceremony takes place in Independence Park in Santo Domingo, which features Altar de la Patria (the nation’s altar), a mausoleum to the nation’s heroes. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary