Emancipation Day


Country Puerto Rico
Local Name Día de la Abolición de Esclavitud
Date Saturday, 22nd March, 2025
Type Public
Is Global true

About Emancipation Day holiday in Puerto Rico


Emancipation Day in Puerto Rico, known as **Día de la Abolición de la Esclavitud**, is celebrated annually on **March 22**. This day commemorates the abolition of slavery on the island in 1873, when the Spanish government passed the **Moret Law**, which granted freedom to enslaved people in Puerto Rico. The abolition was a significant milestone in the island's history, marking the end of centuries of forced labor and exploitation of African descendants. The holiday is observed with cultural events, educational programs, and public ceremonies that honor the contributions of Afro-Puerto Ricans to the island's history, culture, and identity. It serves as a reminder of the struggles for freedom and equality and celebrates the resilience and heritage of the Afro-Puerto Rican community. Emancipation Day is a time for reflection, pride, and recognition of the ongoing fight against racial injustice and inequality.