Dominican Community Flag Raising Cleveland City Hall August 15, 2025
August 16 is a national holiday in the Dominican Republic. It is the day when Santiago Rodríguez and his men raised the new Dominican flag on the Capotillo hill which began the war which resulted in the restoration of Dominican sovereignty, the withdrawal of Spanish forces, the separation of the Captaincy General of Santo Domingo from Spain, and the establishment of a second republic in the Dominican Republic.
In Cleveland, the flag of the Dominican Republic was raised in a celebration at Cleveland City Hall.
The Dominican community of Cleveland celebrated their 3rd annual flag raising ceremony at Cleveland City Hall on August 15, 2025. People gathered on the steps of Cleveland City Hall for a short program and then the flag raising.
Elizabeth Valdez served as MC.
Elizabeth Valdez
She introduced Juan Carlos Medina and Dulce Sanchez, the president and VP of the Dominican Club of Cleveland.
Dulce Sanchez and Juan Carlos Medina
Then Pastor Reyes gave an invocation.
Pastor Reyes
Angela Woodson from the City represented Mayor Justin Bibb. Alyssa Hernandez from the City of Cleveland also welcomed the group.
Angela Woodson
Alyssa Hernandez
Miss Teen Dominican Republic 2025 Yemely Massiel de la Cruz Santana gave her remarks.
Yemely Massiel de la Cruz Santana
Then Dominican Club leaders Dr. Shoghi Mclean and Ms Cortez spoke.
Dr. Shoghi Mclean and Ms Cortez
Dr. Shoghi Mclean
The national anthems of the US and the Dominican Republic were sung and the flag was raised above Cleveland City Hall.
Watch a video of the above speeches and program.
People then moved inside the Rotunda for food and performances. Here are some photos.
Want to learn about ethnic and cultural events in Cleveland such as this? Sign up for the free eNews and every Tuesday evening you will receive a free e-mail listing the next week's events. It's easy and free.
