Santo Domingo witnessed a historic civic celebration on Monday, January 26th, as the Duartian Institute unveiled the nation’s inaugural equestrian statue honoring Juan Pablo Duarte, founding father of the Dominican Republic. The ceremony formed a centerpiece of the nationwide observances marking the 213th anniversary of Duarte’s birth.
Strategically positioned at the convergence of 27 de Febrero, Winston Churchill, and Comandante Jiménez Moya avenues, the monument now stands as a permanent fixture within one of Santo Domingo’s most frequented urban corridors. Wilson Gómez Ramírez, President of the Duartian Institute, presided over the unveiling and articulated the profound significance of the installation. He emphasized that the statue transcends mere artistic merit, serving instead as a powerful tribute to Duarte’s foundational military leadership as the first General-in-Chief of the Dominican armed forces.
The dynamic depiction of Duarte astride his horse is richly symbolic, representing his enduring patriotic mission that traversed the nation. This representation is designed to reinforce core national values of sovereignty, courage, and unwavering determination. Gómez Ramírez further highlighted that the statue’s prominent placement amplifies the patriotic essence of 27 de Febrero Avenue, ensuring his legacy engages with thousands of citizens navigating this central hub daily.
Crafted by renowned sculptor Yussep García, the monument utilizes stainless steel and epoxy resin to capture a vision of progress, foresight, and leadership—the very principles that defined Duarte’s legacy. The inauguration ceremony was conducted with full military honors and featured cultural artistic performances, attended by government officials, institute members, and the general public.
This unveiling constituted a key element of an extensive commemorative agenda, which also included ceremonial flag raisings, floral tributes at significant national monuments, a solemn mass, and a series of parallel activities organized both domestically and within Dominican communities abroad.