Restoration Day in 2024

When is Dominican Restoration Day?

Restoration Day is a public holiday in the Dominican Republic on August 16th.

Known in Spanish as 'el día de la Restauración Dominicana', this holiday commemorates the start of the Dominican Restoration War on this day in  1863.

Restoration Day is a day to commemorate the bravery and determination of the Dominican people who fought for their sovereignty. It is a national holiday and a time for patriotic celebrations, parades, speeches, and various cultural events across the country.

History of Dominican Restoration Day

In 1844, the Dominican Republic had regained independence from Haiti.

For political and economic reasons, Pedro Santana, the then President of the Dominican Republic signed a pact with Spain in 1861 to revert the status of the Dominican Republic to that of a colony of Spain.

The move led almost immediately to a failed rebellion and Santana realised his decision to impose Spanish rule had reduced his power, and he resigned in January 1862.

On August 16th 1863, 15 men under the leadership of Santiago Rodríguez made a daring raid from the city of Dajabon and raised the Dominican flag on the Capotillo hill. This action, known as the 'grito de Capotillo', was the beginning of the Dominican Restoration War which was fought until 1865 between nationalist Dominicans and Spain.

The war ended when a decree of Queen Isabel II of Spain, on March 3rd 1865, repealed the Dominican Republic's reinstatement to the Spanish Monarchy. The last Spanish troops left on July 15th 1865.

Presidential elections take place in the Dominican Republic every four years and the newly elected President will take office on Restoration Day. If it isn't an election year, the President makes a speech on his performance throughout the year, highlighting the progress of the country.