Constitution Day in the Dominican Republic
Constitution Day commemorates the proclamation of the Dominican Republic’s first constitution in San Cristóbal on November 6, 1844. The date is a public holiday, but the statutory day off may move to a Monday under the country’s holiday rules.[1][2]
A founding document
The first Dominican constitution was proclaimed in San Cristóbal on November 6, 1844. The date connects the national holiday to the country’s constitutional beginnings and to the city regarded by the Constitutional Court as the Constitution’s birthplace.[2]
The commemoration looks to the Constitution as the framework for the state and the rights and duties of its citizens. In its recent commemorations, the Constitutional Court has used the anniversary to discuss civic responsibilities, fundamental rights and respect for constitutional order.[3]
A public holiday with a movable day off
Law No. 139-97 makes the non-working status of holidays that fall on certain weekdays effective on a nearby Monday: holidays falling Tuesday or Wednesday move to the preceding Monday, while those falling Thursday or Friday move to the following Monday. The law also names November 6 as Constitution Day and calls for activities at workplaces and educational institutions when the date falls on Tuesday through Friday.[1]
In practice, the Ministry of Labor announces the annual holiday application, including whether people work on November 6 and which Monday is the day off. Its published guidance says the holiday arrangement applies across the country’s establishments and businesses.[4]
Civic observances
The Constitutional Court has marked the anniversary with solemn hearings in San Cristóbal, including addresses about constitutional rights and responsibilities. Its Constitution Month programs have also included flag-raising ceremonies, public walks, student knowledge competitions and educational activities.[2][3]
These examples describe programs organized by public institutions; they are not a fixed nationwide schedule. The Court has presented Constitution Month as a series of activities during November, with events and locations varying by program.[2]
What to expect
The holiday’s legal status affects the working day across public and private establishments. Check opening hours with the bank, shop, school or transport provider before you go.[1][4]
The law’s Monday shift can create a long weekend, depending on the weekday on which November 6 falls. The published rules explain the shift for Tuesday through Friday; check the official holiday announcement for the applicable day off and work arrangements.[1][4]
Frequently asked questions
When is Constitution Day?
Is Constitution Day a day off work?
Are banks, shops and public transport open?
Sources and references
Sources used for Constitution Day in Dominican Republic:
- Ley No. 139-97 mediante la cual los días feriados del calendario que coincidan con los días martes y miércoles, jueves o viernes serán trasladados de fecha- Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional de la República Dominicana
- Tribunal Constitucional anuncia la celebración del Mes de la Constitución- Tribunal Constitucional de la República Dominicana
- TC conmemora 181 aniversario de la Constitución dominicana en audiencia solemne con la asistencia del presidente de la República- Tribunal Constitucional de la República Dominicana
- Ministerio de Trabajo informa días feriados correspondientes al año 2024- Presidencia de la República Dominicana