Malcolm Rivera
The Dominican Republic celebrates Constitution Day every year on November 6, or the nearest Monday or Friday to that date, creating a three-day weekend. The day is a public holiday, with schools and most businesses closed, and it commemorates the adoption of the country's first constitution in 1844, following its independence from Haiti. The constitution was signed in San Cristóbal, a town near the capital, Santo Domingo, and was modelled on the United States' constitution, featuring a presidential form of government with liberal tendencies. The Dominican Republic has had 39 constitutions, with the most recent one drafted in 1966, and Constitution Day emphasises the importance of the constitution and the protection of basic human rights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | November 6 (until 2011), now the nearest Monday or Friday to that date to create a three-day weekend |
| History | Commemorates the ratification of the nation's first Constitution after it obtained independence from Haiti in 1844 |
| Significance | Emphasizes the importance of the constitution and the protection of basic human rights, which were disregarded during Rafael Trujillo's authoritarian regime |
| Current Constitution | 39th Constitution, a world record |
| Other Activities | Spending time with family and friends, exploring the country, and eating the signature dessert meringue |
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What You'll Learn
A three-day weekend to celebrate
Constitution Day in the Dominican Republic is a public holiday that has been celebrated with a three-day weekend since 2011. The date is usually the nearest Monday or Friday to November 6th, the day that the country's first constitution was signed in 1844.
The three-day weekend is a great opportunity for Dominicans to spend time with family and friends, exploring the country and its history and culture. The country has a signature dessert called meringue, made with egg whites and sugar, which is perfect for sharing with loved ones.
The first constitution was signed in San Cristóbal, a village near the capital, Santo Domingo, and was modelled on the United States' constitution. It featured a presidential form of government with liberal tendencies, including the separation of powers and checks and balances.
The Dominican Republic has had 39 constitutions, with the most recent drafted in 1964. The country's numerous constitutions are due to the modifications made by the authoritarian dictator Rafael Trujillo, who regularly updated the constitution to suit his purposes.
Constitution Day is a significant moment in the country's history, commemorating the ratification of the nation's first constitution after it gained independence from Haiti. It is a day off for the general population, with schools and most businesses closed.
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Schools and businesses closed
Constitution Day in the Dominican Republic is a public holiday, which means schools and most businesses are closed. The day marks a three-day weekend for Dominicans to celebrate and relax with their family and friends. The holiday was held on the 6th of November until 2011, when it was moved to the nearest Monday or Friday to create a long weekend.
The day celebrates the adoption of the country's first constitution in 1844, a year after the nation proclaimed its independence from Haiti. The first constitution was signed in San Cristóbal, a town near the capital, Santo Domingo. It was modelled on the United States' constitution and featured a presidential form of government with liberal tendencies.
The Dominican Republic has had 39 constitutions, with each amendment counting as a new constitution. The first constitution was modified to suit the authoritarian regime of Rafael Trujillo, who regularly updated it to serve his purposes. The document was altered after his passing in 1961 to allow for elections, but the 1962 constitution was unpopular as it contained many of the same laws as Trujillo's.
A new and more liberal constitution was drafted in 1964, which included a broad list of fundamental rights and strengthened the legislature. This constitution, enacted in 1966, also granted the executive a wide range of authority, including emergency powers.
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History and culture
Constitution Day in the Dominican Republic is a public holiday that commemorates the signing of the nation's first constitution in 1844. It is celebrated annually on November 6 or the nearest Monday or Friday to create a three-day weekend. The day is an opportunity for Dominicans to spend time with family and friends, exploring the country's rich history and culture.
The Dominican Republic has a long and complex constitutional history. The first constitution was adopted on November 6, 1844, in San Cristóbal, a village near the capital, Santo Domingo. This constitution was modelled on the United States constitution and established a presidential form of government with liberal tendencies. It included various fundamental rights, such as the separation of powers and checks and balances.
However, within a year, the democratic government was replaced with an authoritarian regime led by Rafael Trujillo, which regularly modified the constitution to suit its purposes. As a result, the Dominican Republic has had 39 constitutions, with the most recent one being drafted in 1964 by a democratically elected, social-democratic administration led by Juan Bosch.
Constitution Day is a significant holiday in the Dominican Republic, emphasising the importance of the constitution and the protection of basic human rights. It is a day off for most people, with schools and businesses closed. Many Dominicans take advantage of the three-day weekend to celebrate and appreciate Dominican culture and history.
The country has a diverse cultural heritage, with a mix of African and European influences. The Dominican Republic was once known as the "Pearl of the Antilles" and was one of the wealthiest colonies in the world, renowned for its large sugar cane plantations. Today, the country is home to unique dishes such as meringue, a dessert made with egg whites and sugar, which is often shared with family and friends on Constitution Day.
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Meringue, a traditional dessert
Constitution Day in the Dominican Republic is a public holiday that commemorates the ratification of the nation's first constitution after it obtained independence from Haiti. It is celebrated every year on the nearest Monday to November 6 to give Dominicans a three-day weekend.
Meringue is not only enjoyed on its own but is also used as a topping or frosting for various cakes and treats. One such cake is the Bizcocho Dominicano, whose crowning glory is the "suspiro," a light and airy meringue-based frosting. This cake is typically filled with pineapple jam, guava jam, or the decadent dulce de leche. It is best served at room temperature, allowing the rich flavours of the cake and the lightness of the frosting to shine through.
Another popular dessert featuring meringue is the Tres Leches Cake. This is a spongy cake soaked in a sweet milk sauce and topped with either whipped cream or meringue. It is served chilled, creating a nice combination of textures that leaves a lasting impression.
Meringue is an integral part of Dominican cuisine and plays a role in making celebrations, such as Constitution Day, even sweeter and more festive. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a delicious topping, meringue is a treat that Dominicans proudly share with their loved ones.
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The anniversary of the first constitution
Constitution Day in the Dominican Republic is a public holiday that commemorates the anniversary of the country's first constitution. It is observed annually on the nearest Monday or Friday to November 6th, the date on which the first constitution was adopted in 1844. This date holds significant historical value as it marks the country's declaration of independence from Haiti earlier that year, in February.
The Dominican Republic, commonly known as Santo Domingo until the 20th century, has had a dynamic constitutional history. The first constitution was modelled on the United States constitution, embracing a presidential form of government with liberal tendencies. It included fundamental rights, concepts such as the separation of powers, and checks and balances. However, within a year, the democratic government was replaced with an authoritarian regime, leading to modifications in the constitution to serve the ruler's purposes.
As a result of these frequent amendments, the Dominican Republic has had 39 constitutions, a world record. Each modification was considered a new constitution, reflecting the changing political landscape of the nation. The most democratic constitution, according to some, was the Constitution of Moca, proclaimed on February 19, 1858.
Constitution Day is celebrated with a three-day weekend, allowing Dominicans to spend time with family and friends, explore the country's rich history and culture, and appreciate Dominican cuisine, including the signature meringue dessert. The holiday emphasises the importance of the constitution in protecting basic human rights and preserving national sovereignty.
While the date of celebration has shifted to accommodate a long weekend, the essence of Constitution Day remains rooted in honouring the foundational document that shaped the country's governance and guaranteed its citizens' rights and freedoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Constitution Day in the Dominican Republic is celebrated annually on November 6. However, since 2011, it has been observed on the nearest Monday or Friday to that date, creating a three-day weekend for Dominicans to celebrate.
Constitution Day commemorates the ratification and adoption of the nation's first Constitution on November 6, 1844, after gaining independence from Haiti. It was a liberal declaration that included fundamental rights, the separation of powers, and checks and balances.
Constitution Day is a public holiday in the Dominican Republic. Schools and most businesses are closed, and people often spend the long weekend with family and friends, exploring the country's rich history and culture.
