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Every September 8th, our country commemorates the birth of Gregorio Luperón, a key figure in national history and considered the greatest hero of the Dominican Restoration.
Due to the commemoration of the 186th anniversary of the birth of General Gregorio Luperón, this Monday, September 8, was declared "Municipal Day of Rejoicing" in his native Puerto Plata.
Beginnings of a hero
Gregorio Luperón was born into a modest family. His mother, Nicolasa Luperón, worked hard to support her children, and although she could not offer him a complete formal education, she instilled in him the values of responsibility, discipline, and respect. From a young age, he showed a firm, rebellious character and sensitivity to injustices, qualities that would later be reflected in his military and political leadership.
In 1861, the annexation of the Dominican Republic to Spain by decision of Pedro Santana ignited the spark of resistance in young patriots like Luperón. The country, which had barely been 17 years since proclaiming its independence from Haiti, saw its sovereignty threatened again.
It was in this context that Luperón joined the restoration movement. At just 22 years old, he participated in the first revolts against Spanish colonial power and quickly stood out for his bravery and organizational skills. His military talent led him to become one of the main leaders of the Restoration War (1863-1865), fought from the Grito de Capotillo to the definitive defeat of the Spanish troops.
In crucial battles such as the one in Santiago and other skirmishes in the Cibao, Luperón demonstrated extraordinary strategic ability, becoming a symbol of Dominican nationalism.
Following the restoration victory, Gregorio Luperón consolidated himself as a highly influential political figure. He was characterized by his firm opposition to any attempt to hand over the country's sovereignty to foreign powers again, whether Spain, France, or the United States.
His thinking leaned towards liberalism, defending equality, education, and the modernization of the State. Luperón believed that national development should be based on political and economic independence, rejecting all forms of neocolonialism.
In 1879, he assumed the provisional presidency of the Republic after the movement known as the "Pronunciamiento de Puerto Plata," initiating the so-called "Government of the Blues," which sought to modernize institutions and strengthen democracy. Although his term was brief, he sowed progressive ideas that would mark national politics in the following decades.
Luperón, symbol of sovereignty
What distinguished Gregorio Luperón from many other leaders of his time was his unwavering defense of national sovereignty. He never hesitated to confront the conservative elites who favored pacts with foreign powers. He firmly believed that the country should sustain itself with its own resources and that independence could not be negotiated. For this reason, his figure has been recognized as a beacon of resistance and dignity. While other leaders yielded to foreign pressure, Luperón remained firm in his conviction that the Dominican Republic had the right to exist as a free and sovereign nation.You can also read: Biography of Gregorio Luperón: hero of the restoration
Gregorio Luperón died in Puerto Plata on May 20, 1897, at the age of 58. However, his legacy lives on in the collective memory of the Dominican people. Luperón's message remains clear and current: "The Dominican Republic must always be the master of its destiny."
