Anniversary of the death of Dessalines in Haiti

A date tied to Haiti’s founding

Dessalines was a leader of the Haitian Revolution and became the first head of state of independent Haiti. Haiti proclaimed independence on January 1, 1804, and Dessalines was crowned Emperor Jacques I the following year. He was assassinated at Pont-Rouge, near Port-au-Prince, on October 17, 1806.[2]

The anniversary recalls both the loss of a political leader and his role in the struggle that established an independent Haiti. Haitian government accounts describe him as a founding figure and connect his legacy with freedom, unity and national sovereignty.[2][3]

What the labor code says

Haiti’s labour code lists October 17 as the anniversary of the death of J.-J. Dessalines. It says the day may be declared a day off by presidential order and separately provides paid rest for workers on specified holidays designated as days off.[1]

The text reproduced by the International Labour Organization notes that the Constitution of 1987 partially repealed Article 111, where October 17 appears. Article 111 therefore does not establish a universal day off for every worker today.[1]

Official commemorations

Government observances have included formal ceremonies. In 2025, Haiti’s prime minister and other senior officials attended a solemn commemoration at the Villa d’Accueil. The government described it as a national act of remembrance and linked Dessalines’s legacy to freedom, unity, equality and sovereignty.[3]

An earlier ceremony took place at Saint Ignace Church in Marchand-Dessalines, where Haiti’s president and other officials attended a Te Deum marking the anniversary. These examples show that commemorations have taken place in different settings; they do not establish that the same programme or venue is used every year.[4]

Practical planning

Check directly with a particular office or service before making plans. October 17 is the date of the observance.[1]