The Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Paraguay hosted a vibrant celebration on 3 March 2026 in Asunción to mark the 182nd anniversary of the independence of the Dominican Republic. The reception took place in the Salón Veteranos of the Club Centenario. Diplomats, authorities, members of the Dominican diaspora, and guests gathered to commemorate one of the Caribbean nation’s most important national holidays.
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming. At the entrance, the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Paraguay, Julio Castaños Zouain, personally greeted attendees. With a smile and a handshake, the gesture set the tone for the evening. The formal reception turned into a celebration that felt both elegant and heartfelt.
The evening blended diplomacy with cultural celebration. Guests enjoyed merengue, salsa, and bachata, alongside traditional Dominican dishes, creating an atmosphere that brought a taste of the Caribbean to Paraguay.
Remembering the birth of a nation
Every 27 February, Dominicans commemorate the proclamation of independence in 1844, when the nation emerged as a sovereign state. The historic event took place at the Puerta del Conde in Santo Domingo, where independence leaders publicly declared the creation of the Dominican Republic.
Unlike many Latin American countries, the Dominican Republic did not gain independence from a European colonial power. Instead, it achieved independence from Haiti, which had governed the eastern side of the island for more than two decades. The movement was inspired by the ideals of freedom and national identity promoted by Juan Pablo Duarte, who founded the secret society La Trinitaria in 1838. Alongside other patriots such as Francisco del Rosario Sánchez and Ramón Matías Mella, Duarte helped organise the movement that ultimately led to independence.
Dominicans continue to honour these figures each year during the “Month of the Fatherland”, which runs from 26 January, Duarte’s birthday, until 9 March.
A diplomatic gathering in Asunción
During the reception in Asunción, representatives from Paraguay’s government, diplomatic corps, and business sector joined members of the Dominican community to celebrate the occasion. Among the attendees were Eduardo Nakayama, senator and president of the Paraguay–Dominican Republic Parliamentary Friendship Commission, as well as diplomatic authorities, including Vincenzo Turturro, the Apostolic Nuncio representing the Holy See.
In welcoming guests, representatives of the Dominican embassy emphasised the historical significance of the date. The anniversary honours those who fought for a sovereign nation and reaffirms the values that shaped the country: liberty, justice, dignity, and national unity. The ceremony began with the national anthems of both countries, symbolising the respect and friendship between Paraguay and the Dominican Republic.
Cultural exchange through music and food
Following the formal portion of the evening, the celebration turned into a lively cultural gathering. Music played a central role in the festivities, with merengue rhythms filling the hall and inviting guests to the dance floor. Salsa and bachata also formed part of the night’s soundtrack, reflecting the rich musical traditions of the Dominican Republic.
Guests were also treated to traditional Dominican cuisine, offering an authentic taste of the island’s gastronomy. The dinner and celebratory toast provided attendees with an opportunity to share conversation, music, and cultural traditions in a relaxed atmosphere. The event created a space for cultural exchange, where Paraguayan guests and members of the Dominican diaspora came together to celebrate.
Strengthening ties between Paraguay and the Dominican Republic
Although separated by geography, Paraguay and the Dominican Republic share diplomatic relations that date back to 1902. Over the years, cooperation between the two countries has expanded in areas such as trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Recent cooperation between the two countries also includes aviation, with Paraguay and the Dominican Republic signing an Open Skies agreement that could eventually enable direct flights between Asunción and Santo Domingo. Permanent diplomatic missions were established more recently, with the Dominican embassy opening in Asunción in 2009 and Paraguay inaugurating its embassy in Santo Domingo in 2014.
Cultural events such as this independence celebration help reinforce those connections, bringing together diplomats, citizens, and institutions from both nations. The reception illustrated how national commemorations abroad can serve as bridges between cultures. Through music, food, and shared history, the Dominican Republic’s 182nd Independence Day became not only a patriotic celebration but also an opportunity for friendship and dialogue in Paraguay.
