}
SANTO DOMINGO.- In February 2020, the Dominican Republic experienced one of the largest demonstrations in recent decades, after the Central Electoral Board (JCE) suspended the municipal elections scheduled to be held on the 16th of that month, alleging failures in the automated voting system.
Following this event, groups of citizens dissatisfied with the situation began to protest, demanding an explanation from the oversight body. Coinciding with National Independence Day, February 27th, young people organized in the movement called “Los Muchachos de la Plaza de la Bandera” (The Boys of Plaza de la Bandera) celebrated “Trabucazo 2020” , one of the largest mobilizations of the current era.
This event allowed the most remote corner of the nation and far beyond to discover a patriotic monument that was perhaps unknown to many Dominicans until then: The Plaza de la Bandera (Flag Square).
100 tribute flags
The name Plaza de la Bandera (Flag Square) was assigned when the plaza was reopened on February 14, 1997. Leonel Fernández was president at the time. Previously, it was called “Plaza de la Bandera y del Soldado Desconocido” (Flag and Unknown Soldier Square), alluding to the fact that the remains of a Dominican soldier, who distinguished himself in one of the country's wars, rest there.
This Patriotic Monument pays homage to the flag, one of the symbols of the Dominican Republic. It was originally built by engineer Andrés Gómez Dubriel and designed by architect Christian Martínez. It was inaugurated in 1973, during the administration of Joaquín Balaguer.
At its center stands the triumphal arch, flanked by two angels representing glory and honor. Beneath the arch rests the grand sculpture by Juan de Ávalos y Taborda (a prominent 20th-century Spanish sculptor), protecting and supporting the fallen soldier who defended it. Below the arch is displayed a giant Dominican flag and an immense cross, a symbol of redemption.
The large esplanade is surrounded by 100 Dominican Republic flags, which fly permanently. Several government offices are located nearby, including the Ministry of Defense, the Central Electoral Board, the Dominican Agrarian Institute, the Dominican Republic Export Center, and the Price Stabilization Institute (INESPRE). The Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic is also located in the vicinity.
Its circular design exposes it completely, making it one of the symbols that most attracts the attention of everyone who passes through the area, one of the busiest in the city, as it is located at the intersection of 27 de Febrero and Gregorio Luperón avenues.
Another historical fact
On January 26, 1979, Pope John Paul II celebrated the first Mass ever held by a Roman Pontiff on American soil, bringing the plaza to global attention. He was received by then-President Antonio Guzmán Fernández (now deceased), First Lady Renée Klang de Guzmán, Apostolic Nuncio Dante Alighieri, and Cardinal Octavio Antonio Beras.
Sources:
Daily Free
EcuRed
Wikipedia
