Even in pandemic, it’s important to celebrate Dominican Independence Day

Even in pandemic, it’s important to celebrate Dominican Independence Day

By Genesis Ortega

February 26, 2021

Allentown’s Dominican community will celebrate Independence Day this weekend, the day in 1844 when the Dominican Republic declared its independence from Haiti. This year, the celebration will be toned down because of the pandemic. 

Allentown City Councilwoman Cynthia Mota, who is of Dominican descent, says last year’s celebration marked the last major flag raising the city held before the pandemic halted in-person events. 

“We celebrated on Feb. 27 before the pandemic really hit hard. We had a beautiful ceremony with singers, dancers. It was a cultural celebration,” Mota says. 

It’s a special tradition for many in the local Dominican community, who make up a large part of the city’s Hispanic and Latino population. 

This year, there will be a brief outdoor ceremony followed by the singing of the national anthem and the flag-raising.  

“It’s going to be an outdoor event due to COVID-19. We want everyone to be safe of course with precautions with their masks on and social distancing. But we need to commemorate the independence date of the Dominican Republic,” she says. 

Although this weekend’s festivities will look different, Mota says, it’s still just as important to mark the day. 

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