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"  The country was discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus and named La Hispaniola. Juan Pablo Duarte, founder of the secret society La Trinitaria that ultimately freed the country of Haitian rule in 1844, is considered the founding father. He even has a public holiday January 26 \u2013 Duarte Day. Independence Park, where independence was proclaimed, has the Altar de la Patria and honors Duarte, Ram\u00F3n Mella, and Juan S\u00E1nchez Ram\u00EDrez for having such a large role in the Republic gaining independence.  Thousands of Dominicanos gather in Santo Domingo for the traditional parade and street fiesta throughout the day. Want more from Krystyna? Follow her on Twitter @Krysty_C "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/news/a11874/dominican-republic-independence-day-facts/>