"Que Viva!" Dominicans in New London celebrate independence in community
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Feb. 26—NEW LONDON — For Elizabeth Reyes, celebrating Independence Day in her home country, the Dominican Republic, is a distant memory.
She clings to memories of vibrant merengue music and dances, warm Feburary days during the Dominican Carnival ― an event to commemorate the country's independence― and people dressed as different characters such as the diablo cojuelo, or limping devil, a mockery of the Spanish medieval knights.
She left 33 years ago when she was just 18 to reunite with her father who lived in the U.S. Reyes said she and her siblings left for a better future, but she sometimes wonders what her life would have been like if she had stayed.
Reyes, wearing a patriotic traditional dress, was among many other Dominicans, city and state officials in front of City Hall Sunday to see the Dominican flag raised in honor of 179 years of the Dominican Republic's independence from Haiti.
"Que Viva!" was heard from the crowd as speakers extol the Dominican Republic.
Afterwards, the community gathered at Mambo Bar & Restaurant downtown to enjoy a traditional plate of Sancocho Dominicano, a meat and roots stew.
Juan Castillo, the president of La Asociación de Dominicanos de New London, or the Dominican Association, said the flag-raising is important to keep traditions and celebrations alive from afar.
It's the same reason the association was formed in 2017 by a group of 11 people, including Castillo. He said New London has a significant population of Dominicans.
A 2021 Equity Profile by DataHaven states the largest number of immigrants living in New London County were born in China, followed by Dominican Republic and India.
Eramis Cruz, the association's secretary, said the country has multiple independence days. The first was when the country, then a part of Hispaniola, gained independence from Spanish rule in 1821. Cruz said the country then came under Haitian rule and experienced social challenges and unrest.
In 1838, three young Dominicans named Juan Pablo Duarte, Ramón Matías Mella and Francisco del Rosario Sánchez founded a resistance organization called La Trinitaria and gained independence as the Dominican Republic on Feb. 27, 1844. Those were the events celebrated Sunday.
The Spanish later re-colonized the country in the early 1860s, but the country finally attained sovereignty in 1865 after its restoration war.
Cruz said the celebration was important to have a community, a voice and assure the youth know their history.
Marlenys Cortorreal, emcee of Sunday's ceremony, told the crowd the meaning of the flag. She said the navy blue represents the sky that covers the country, the red symbolizes the blood of those who fought for its independence, the white stands for peace and the cross is the fight for liberty.
The Dominican Association recognized six businesses and members of the community for their work and service to the community, including the Rev. Mark O'Donnell, Woyasz & Son Funeral Service Inc., City Councilor Jocelyn Rosario, NSA Supermarket, Ramon Auto Detail and Mambo Bar & Restaurant.
Yoselyn Jiménez, a provisional board member for the association, said it has been 15 years since he left the Dominican Republic. He was a police officer there for 20 years before he retired and came to the U.S. He said the politicians were very corrupt and continue to be.
Jiménez said independence celebrations are similar to the ceremony that took place at City Hall but with many more people. He also recalls military parades and carnival, which takes place in the same month, with a colorful display of various costumes and and flowers.
"Coming together brings us memories of being in our country although we are here. ... It's important for Dominicans to stay connected with our roots," he said.
