Spanish
Azua.– In the framework of the commemoration of Enriquillo Day, writer Lidia Martínez de Macarrulla presented in this city her most recent work, “El cacique Enriquillo. Un líder indígena para la libertad en América”, a book that rescues with historical rigor the life and struggle of the iconic Taíno leader.
The activity took place in the auditorium of the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD), with the support of the Macarrulla Foundation, an entity dedicated to promoting projects in key areas such as culture, education, the environment, sports, and community development. During his speech, Martínez de Macarrulla highlighted the symbolic and ethical value of Enriquillo for the new generations, describing his resistance as "a great epic of dignity and justice" against the abuses of the colonial regime. He remembered that Enriquillo, born as Guarocuya and heir to the caciqueship of Jaragua, was a victim of oppression under Spanish rule. Unable to find justice through legal means, he led a rebellion in 1519 in the Bahoruco mountain range that lasted for 14 years, concluding in 1533 with a peace agreement that guaranteed the freedom of his people. This event is considered the first great indigenous insurrection on the continent.You can read: UASD hosts the first edition of the SIREICU Awards 2025
Martínez de Macarrulla emphasized that the figure of Enriquillo has been recognized over time by thinkers and leaders such as José Martí and Che Guevara, who saw in him a symbol of the fight for freedom. Likewise, he highlighted that his legacy is institutionalized in the country through Decree 6855, which establishes September 27 as Enriquillo Day. The event brought together academics, students, community leaders, and representatives from the cultural sphere of the southern region, who valued the work as a valuable contribution to the preservation of historical memory. With this initiative, the Macarrulla Foundation reaffirms its commitment to the promotion of patriotic values and the strengthening of national identity through the promotion of culture and education.
