The independence movement was led by Juan Pablo Duarte, founder of La Trinitaria, a secret society created by a group of young patriots with the objective of organizing the fight against the Haitian occupation that began in 1822.

The historic night was held at the Puerta del Conde in Santo Domingo, where Matias Ramon Mella (one of the Founding Fathers) fired a shot into the air that formally marked the beginning of independence.

This symbolic act confirmed the patriots’ determination and gave way to the birth of the Dominican Republic as a sovereign nation.

Since then, the “trabucazo” has become one of the most emblematic moments in national history.

Every year, the country commemorates this date with official ceremonies led by the President of the Republic, floral offerings at the Altar of the Fatherland, military and student parades, and cultural activities that highlight the historical significance of the event.

Nearly two centuries after that event, February 27th remains one of the most significant dates on the national calendar.

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