March 22

Emancipation Day, or Día de la Abolición de la Esclavitud, commemorates the official end of slavery in Puerto Rico on March 22, 1873. Enacted under Spanish colonial rule, this decree freed thousands of enslaved people and reshaped the island’s social fabric. Today, Puerto Ricans honor this day with parades, historical reenactments, and cultural events that highlight the ongoing fight for freedom and human rights. Schools and institutions host lectures and art exhibitions that explore the legacy of slavery and its impact on contemporary society. The observance serves as a reminder of resilience and the enduring importance of equality and justice. Emancipation Day encourages reflection on the past and commitment to a future where every individual's dignity is upheld.