Dessalines Day

**Dessalines Day in Haiti** Dessalines Day, celebrated annually on **October 17**, is a national holiday in Haiti that honors Jean-Jacques Dessalines, a revolutionary leader and the founding father of the nation. Dessalines played a pivotal role in Haiti's fight for independence from French colonial rule, leading the country to become the first Black republic in the world in 1804. After declaring independence, he became Haiti's first ruler, serving as Emperor Jacques I. The day commemorates his legacy as a symbol of freedom, resistance, and national pride. It is marked by ceremonies, parades, cultural events, and reflections on Haiti's history and struggle for sovereignty. Dessalines is remembered for his determination to abolish slavery and establish a nation built on equality and self-determination. Dessalines Day serves as a reminder of Haiti's revolutionary spirit and its enduring fight for justice and independence.