History of the Dominican Republic Flag: Duarte, 1844 Independence & Evolution
Follow the Dominican flag from Juan Pablo Duarte’s 1838 Trinitarian design through the first flag raised in 1844 and the constitutional arrangement that created the modern alternating quarters.
Juan Pablo Duarte and the 1838 design
Juan Pablo Duarte conceived the original Dominican tricolor within the Trinitarian independence movement. His concept used blue and red fields divided by a white cross, creating the core visual identity that survives today.
The first flag raised in 1844
The first Dominican flag was made by women including María Trinidad Sánchez, María de Jesús Pina, Isabel Sosa and Concepción Bona. It was raised on February 27, 1844, the day Dominican independence was proclaimed.
Why were the quarters rearranged?
The first Constitution, promulgated on November 6, 1844, formally adopted the national flag and established the alternating arrangement of blue and red quarters. This is the pattern still used today.
The modern Dominican flag
The modern flag retains Duarte’s white-cross concept, alternating ultramarine-blue and vermilion-red quarters and the national coat of arms at the center. The current official proportion is 2:3.
Dominican flag history FAQ
Who designed the Dominican Republic flag?
Juan Pablo Duarte conceived the original design.
When was it first raised?
February 27, 1844.
When did the alternating quarters appear?
The first Constitution of November 6, 1844 established the alternating arrangement.
Presidency of the Dominican Republic — National Symbols
MIREX — National Symbols
