Dominican pride filled the streets of Brooklyn on Thursday as locals celebrated the Dominican Republic’s Independence Day. At Deli-Licious, a Dominican eatery on Fulton Street, customers enjoyed traditional dishes like fritura and the popular morir soñando, a cold, sweet drink made with milk and orange juice. “The people, the neighborhood, how they bring everything together—it makes you feel like you’re in DR sometimes,” said Alexandre Batista, the restaurant’s owner. Just down the block, Dominican barbershops were buzzing with activity. “It’s like a friendship,” said one barber. “When people come here, we like to talk to them, like ‘How are you feeling?’” Feb. 27 marks the day in 1844 when the Dominican Republic declared independence from Haiti. But some scholars argue that the date doesn’t reflect the country’s full history. “We don’t see the representation of Afro-descendant Dominicans who existed,” said Saudi Garcia, PhD, executive director of In Cultured Company. Instead, she points to Aug. 16, 1865, when the country gained independence from Spain, as a more accurate celebration of Dominican resilience. But for many in Brooklyn, Dominican Independence Day is about celebrating culture—through food, music, and community. “How we celebrate everything—I think that’s the best part about being Dominican,” said Batista.