Puerto Rico – Grito de Lares
September 23
About Puerto Rico – Grito de Lares
El Grito de Lares, or the Cry of Lares, is commemorated in Puerto Rico on 23 September each year. In 2026 it falls on a Wednesday. The day marks the anniversary of the 1868 armed uprising against Spanish colonial rule, an event widely regarded as the most important symbol of the Puerto Rican struggle for independence and national identity.
The Story Behind Grito de Lares
On 23 September 1868, between 400 and 600 rebels gathered at the estate of Manuel Rojas on the outskirts of the mountain town of Lares. Poorly trained and lightly armed, they reached the town around midnight on horseback and on foot. Once there, they entered the parish church and placed a revolutionary flag on the high altar, the agreed signal that the rebellion had begun. In the early hours, the Republic of Puerto Rico was proclaimed under the presidency of Francisco Ramírez Medina, and the revolutionaries offered freedom to any enslaved people who joined their cause.
The uprising had been carefully planned from exile. On 6 January 1868, Dr Ramón Emeterio Betances and Segundo Ruiz Belvis founded the Revolutionary Committee of Puerto Rico in the Dominican Republic. Betances, often called the father of the Puerto Rican nation, had grown frustrated with the political repression and economic restrictions imposed by the centralised Spanish government in Madrid. The committee organised support across the island, smuggling in arms and rallying those who wanted reform and freedom.
The revolt itself was short-lived. Spanish forces quickly suppressed the rebellion, and many of the participants were captured. Yet its impact reached far beyond the few days of fighting. The Grito de Lares is credited with pushing Spain towards social and political reform, including steps that contributed to the eventual abolition of slavery on the island and the creation of political parties. Though it failed as a military action, it succeeded as a defining moment of national consciousness.
Today the rebellion is remembered as a foundational chapter in Puerto Rican history. Its memory is kept alive each year in Lares, where the town that gave the uprising its name continues to honour those who took part.
When and Where is Grito de Lares Commemorated?
Grito de Lares is commemorated on 23 September every year, which in 2026 is a Wednesday. While it is not an official public holiday, the day is marked most vividly in the town of Lares itself, particularly in the Plaza de la Revolución. Puerto Ricans across the island and in the diaspora also use the day to reflect on the events of 1868 and on questions of identity and self-determination.
Traditions and Customs
The commemoration in Lares blends solemn remembrance with community celebration:
- Gathering in the Plaza de la Revolución – Crowds come together in the central square of Lares, the symbolic heart of the commemoration.
- Flying the Grito de Lares flag – Neighbours hang the historic revolutionary flag from their windows and balconies, lining the streets with its distinctive design.
- Traditional music and dance – Live music fills the town, and people dance on the sidewalks throughout the day and into the evening.
- Food stalls and local stores – Vendors sell traditional Puerto Rican food and drink, turning the commemoration into a lively community event.
- Speeches and acts of remembrance – Political and cultural figures often give addresses honouring the revolutionaries and reflecting on the meaning of the uprising.
Ways to Mark Grito de Lares
Whether you are in Puerto Rico or further afield, there are meaningful ways to take part:
- Visit Lares – If you can, travel to the town itself to experience the commemoration in the place where history was made.
- Learn about the 1868 uprising – Read about Betances, Mariana Bracetti and the other figures behind the revolt to understand its significance.
- Display the Grito de Lares flag – The first flag of Puerto Rico is a powerful symbol of the day and its ideals.
- Share Puerto Rican culture – Cook traditional dishes, play island music or introduce friends to the story of the rebellion.
- Reflect on national identity – Use the day to consider the history and ongoing debates about Puerto Rico’s political status.
- Support Puerto Rican history projects – Visit museums, archives or cultural centres that preserve and tell this story.
Facts and Figures
- The Grito de Lares took place on 23 September 1868 and was Puerto Rico’s first armed uprising against Spanish rule.
- Between 400 and 600 rebels gathered at Manuel Rojas’s estate before marching on the town of Lares.
- The Revolutionary Committee of Puerto Rico was founded on 6 January 1868 by Ramón Emeterio Betances and Segundo Ruiz Belvis from exile in the Dominican Republic.
- The Grito de Lares flag is recognised as the first flag of Puerto Rico, featuring a white cross dividing it into two blue and two red rectangles with a single white star.
- Although Mariana Bracetti is popularly credited with sewing the flag, it was embroidered by fellow revolutionary Eduviges Beauchamp Sterling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grito de Lares?
Grito de Lares, the Cry of Lares, commemorates the 1868 armed uprising against Spanish colonial rule in Puerto Rico. It is regarded as the most important symbol of the island’s struggle for independence.
When is Grito de Lares in 2026?
It is commemorated on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. The date is fixed, marking the anniversary of the uprising on 23 September 1868.
What does the Grito de Lares flag symbolise?
The white star stands for liberty and freedom, the red rectangles represent the blood shed by the heroes of the revolt, and the white cross expresses the longing for the homeland’s redemption.
Spread the Word
Share Grito de Lares with your community using #GritoDeLares and #GritoDeLares2026. Whether you mark the occasion by flying the historic flag, learning the story of 1868 or celebrating Puerto Rican culture, every act of remembrance helps keep this tradition alive.
Related Awareness Days
- Philippines Independence Day – Another commemoration of a nation’s fight for freedom from colonial rule.
- Croatia Independence Day – A national day rooted in the struggle for self-determination and identity.
- Portugal Day – A celebration of national heritage and culture, much as Grito de Lares honours Puerto Rican identity.
Links
Featured image: Photo by Sebastian Enrique on Unsplash.
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