The death anniversary of Jean-Jacques Dessalines is observed in Haiti every October 17 as a public holiday to commemorate his assassination in 1806. Dessalines, a former slave and key leader in the Haitian Revolution, played a significant role in Haiti's fight for independence from France and declared himself the emperor of Haiti. His rule, which lasted from 1804 until his death, is often remembered for its autocratic nature and the harsh conditions imposed on plantation workers. Despite this, Haitians honor Dessalines primarily for his contributions to their independence. To mark the occasion, the government of Haiti organizes street parades each year, celebrating his legacy and the struggle for freedom. Additionally, since 2020, Dessalines's birth anniversary on September 20 has also been recognized as a public holiday.