When is Constitution Day?
Constitution Day is a public holiday in the Dominican Republic on November 6th each year. Until 2011, this public holiday was held on November 6th. Since then, it has been observed on the nearest Monday or Friday to that date, to create a three-day weekend.
This holiday marks the adoption of the country's first Constitution on this day way back in 1844.
History of Constitution Day
1844 was a momentous year for this Caribbean country, which was commonly known as Santo Domingo until the 20th century. In February, the nation had proclaimed its independence from Haiti.
The first Constitution followed on November 6th of that year. It 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 many liberal tendencies.
The importance of the Constitution was underlined a year later when an authoritarian regime had the courtesy to adapt the Constitution to reflect their approach to government. Even during the rule of the dictator Rafael Trujillo, he always made sure the Constitution was amended so that he operated within it.
Each of these amendments counted as a new Constitution. This means that the Dominican Republic is currently on its 39th Constitution, a world record.
