Draft:Spaniard Dominicans

Spaniard Dominicans are Dominicans of full, predominant, or partial Spaniard descent. Spanish Dominicans make up a significant portion of the Dominican population along with other ethnic groups.

Spaniard Dominicans have colonized and later settled the Capitancy of Santo Domingo and later the Dominican Republic since the early 1500s up until the late 20th Century and beyond.

Juan Pablo Duarte was of Spanish descent.

Historically, the Spaniard Dominican population was the single largest ethnic group before the late 19th century. In 1846 they accounted for around 40% of Dominicans (With around 48.5% being Euro-descendent or immigrated). Over time racial lines became blurred as populations of European descent, Taino descent, and Afro descent mixed to create the current racial dynamics of the Dominican Republic. It is estimated that around 70-85% of the Dominican Republic has varying degrees of Spaniard ancestry. Ranging from full and predominant, to partial. Around 70% of the Dominican Republic is mixed race. Spanish contributions to Dominican DNA range from 50-75% on average.

DNA Admixture of Dominicans over time.

Early Spaniard colonization and immigration

Sagrado Corazón de Jesus Cathedral in Moca, Built in Spanish colonial architectural style.

Spanish Immigration to the Captaincy of Santo Domingo was mainly from southern Spain. The regions of Andalusia, Extremadura, Castile, and the Canary Islands. Spanish settlement of the Spanish side of the island led to the creation of major cities and towns. Namely, the cities include Santo Domingo, Santiago de los Caballeros, La Vega, Moca, and Puerto Plata, Which are now some of the Dominican Republic's major cities. These cities were historically the hubs of trade and commerce, as well as agriculture.

Spanish Dominicans played a crucial role in establishing the first farms and agricultural enterprises on the Spanish side of the island. In the El Cibao valley, Spanish settlers brought crops like sugarcane, tobacco, and coffee to be planted in the fertile land of the valley. They also brought cattle. They were pivotal in creating Haciendas for large-scale agricultural enterprises.

Dominicans in the El Cibao region.

Dominican school girl in the El Cibao region.

Spanish colonizers and settlers started settlements and towns all over the Spanish part of the island. Today, Dominicans of full and predominant Spanish (and other European) descent are largely centered in the El Cibao valley. Around 70% of the El Cibao Valley is white. In 1950, 6/10 Cibaeños identified as white.

Late Spaniard Immigration

There was a notable immigration of Spaniards from all over Spain during the late 19th and 20th centuries. This was mainly due to the political and economic situation facing Spain during this period. There were periods of unemployment and recession which inspired many Spaniards to seek a new life in the New World. They sought economic opportunities in the Dominican Republic and followed migration patterns and social networks that led many Spaniards to migrate. Many people had friends, family, and acquaintances already living in the Dominican Republic, something that facilitated the migration process.

Joaquin Balaguer, of Basque descent.

Juan Bosch, of Catalan descent.

Jose Luis “Pepin” Corripio Estrada, a Spanish-born Dominican businessman. Moved to the D.R as baby when family fled the Spanish civil war.

There was also notable immigration from the Basque and Catalan regions of Spain to the Dominican Republic. These waves of immigration were mostly in the 19th and 20th centuries, due to previously stated reasons. Many Basque and Catalan immigrants were attracted by the Dominican Republic's agricultural, commercial, and industrial opportunities. Many established successful businesses and enterprises and many became influential members of Dominican society. They made significant contributions to the Dominican political, economic, and cultural landscapes.

Another major factor that led to Spanish immigration was the Spanish Civil War which led to the intensification of Spanish immigration to the Dominican Republic and the rest of Latin America.

Spanish colonial style Santiago Apostol Cathedral in Santiago de los Caballeros.

Freddy Beras-Goico, a prominent entertainer and televison personality of Spanish descent.

Spanish Dominicans who immigrated during this period made significant contributions to the Dominican Republic's economy, society, and culture.

The Spanish Legacy

Spanish colonial style Calle del Sol street in Santiago de los Caballeros. An example of colonial Spanish architecture in the DR

Parque Colon plaza in Santo Domingo's Spanish Colonial Zone

Overall the Spanish legacy in the Dominican Republic is vibrant and makes up a very significant part of Dominican culture and heritage as a Hispanic nation. The legacy in Dominican cities with colonial architecture like the Santo Domingo colonial zone and colonial architecture in cities like Santiago de los Caballeros, Moca, and Puerto Plata which includes fortresses, churches, and plazas. As well as Dominican literature and arts. Spanish heritage in the Dominican Republic is common, especially in the Cibao Valley along with other Euro-descent.