Dominican Independence Day: NYC Lights Up 16 Landmarks

February 27 marks 182 years since the Dominican Republic declared independence from Haiti in 1844. This year, the celebrations extended far beyond the island as New York State announced it would illuminate 16 iconic landmarks in the red, white, and blue of the Dominican flag, honoring one of the city's largest and most influential communities.

The tribute underscores the deep Dominican presence in New York, where over a million Dominican-Americans call the city home. Back on the island, official ceremonies at the Altar of the Fatherland, military parades, and cultural events filled the streets. Meanwhile, Dominican Carnival season, running every Sunday through February and March, continues to showcase the vibrant masks, music, and traditions that define the culture. For the diaspora and the island alike, independence isn't just a date on the calendar. It's a way of life.