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Mujeres Latinas | Dominican Republic: Las 3 Hermanas Mirabal, Las Mariposas




Las Hermanas Mirabal, Patria, Minerva, y María Teresa, dubbed “Las Mariposas,” were revolutionaries and impactful female figures in the history of La República Dominicana. Their desire to create change, stand up for justice, and seek freedom for the entire Dominican people from an oppressive dictatorship, makes the Mirabal Sisters long-lasting symbols of female empowerment and resistance. 


I first learned about Las Hermanas Mirabal, Las Mariposas, in 2016 while a graduate student-teacher at Stanford University. My teacher-mentor at San Jose High School was covering the novel, In the Time of the Butterflies, with our senior students. This novel, written by Dominican-American author Julia Alvarez, brings to light the empowering story of Las Hermanas Mirabal from la República Dominicana. As a student-teacher, of course, I was tasked with reading the book myself, and I am so happy that this was on the curriculum, because  In the Time of the Butterflies is one of those books that marked my life. 


I still remember reading the book while finding myself at Stanford University’s library, unable to put it down and thinking to myself: these mujeres are poderosas, more people need to learn about their story and the immense mark they left behind in the Dominican Republic.


And so, here I am, using my platform with Mujer on the Move to not only share their beautiful stories as a way to honor them, but to continue shedding light on powerful hidden Latina figures that have contributed so much to our own histories and beautiful LATAM countries we love.


As you read the Mirabal sisters’ story, may you also find the same courage, freedom, and fierceness they embodied within yourself. . . 


Who were Las Hermanas Mirabal, Las Mariposas Dominicanas?



Born into privilege, las 3 hermanas Mirabal, Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa, chose to use their economic and social privilege to chart a different path– one that would lead to liberation and justice for all Dominican people. 


In 1930, former General Rafael Trujillo, won the presidency of the Dominican Republic after a rigged presidential election. This marked the start of his 30 year-old reign and dictatorship in la República Dominicana. Under his regime, Trujillo committed heinous crimes against humanity and Dominicans. Including, massacring approximately 20,000 Haitians, torturing and murdering thousands of innocent civilians who opposed his regime or stood up to him, and leading the murder of the Mirabal sisters November 25, 1960. 


Before their murder in 1960, las Hermanas Mirabal fearlessly stood up against Trujillo’s powerful regime. Inspired by social justice ideals, they not only joined, but played a huge part in leading a clandestine movement in República Dominicana against Trujillo's oppressive regime. Defying gender norms, Las Mariposas actively participated in protests, distributed pamphlets, and provided aid to fellow dissidents. Their courage was unwavering despite facing imprisonment, torture, and constant threats.


The Murder of Las Mariposas



Tragically, the lives of Las 3 Hermanas Mirabal, Las Mariposas, were cut short November 25th, 1960, with their assassinated order, placed by Trujillo. While on their way to visit their husbands in prison, Las Mariposas were ambushed in the rural road by Trujillo’s men and brutally beat and murdered. 


Knowing the power and impact the Mariposas had on the Dominican people, however, Trujillo and his men staged their death as an accidental car wreck to avoid backlash. However, eventually the truth of their brutal murders by Trujillo's men came to light and this act of brutality, instead of silencing dissents, became a catalyst for change. Las Mariposas' murder completely changed the course of history of the Dominican Republic.


The Dominican peoples’ outcry for the murder of  Las Mariposas was so immense, fueling the movement that ultimately toppled the dictator just six months later.


The Legacy of Las Hermanas Mirabal en República Dominicana and Beyond


The legacy of Las Mariposas de la República Dominicana lives on in various ways. Their childhood home in the Dominican municipality of Salcedo now serves as a museum, educating visitors about their lives and history. Their names adorn the Hermanas Mirabal Province, reminding Dominicans of their sacrifice. Their faces grace the 200 Dominican peso bill, reminding the Dominican people and visitors alike the constant feminine symbol of defiance and freedom. 




Furthermore, as a result of becoming martyrs, the Mirabal sisters’ faces are synonymous with the fight for freedom and universal human rights. Their story transcended transnational borders, inspiring oppressed communities worldwide. In fact, The United Nations designated November 25th as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a testament to their lasting impact.


Yet, the true essence of their importance lies beyond physical tributes. The Mirabal sisters represent the unyielding spirit of resistance in the face of oppression. They inspire courage, reminding us as mujeres that we are powerful, smart, and can ignite change. Ultimately, their unwavering commitment to social justice continues to challenge us to fight for a better world, ensuring their sacrifice was not in vain.


In The Time of The Butterflies


Furthermore, In the Time of the Butterflies, by Julia Alvarez is a powerful novel that has left an enduring legacy in literature and social justice. Written through the lens of the Mirabal sisters, Alvarez sheds light on the oppressive Trujillo regime and the Las Mariposas’ fight for freedom. The novel's exploration of themes such as identity, family,and the sacrifices made for justice has resonated with readers worldwide.


Beyond its literary significance, however, In the Time of the Butterflies has plays a crucial role in raising awareness of the Mirabal sisters' legacy and the atrocities of the Trujillo regime. The novel has been adapted into films and plays, ensuring that Las Mariposas’ story continues to be shared and remembered. 


Through its exploration of themes of resistance, hope, and the power of the human spirit,  In the Time of the Butterflies, remains a timeless and impactful work of literature.


Visiting La República Dominicana: Honoring Las 3 Mariposas


Now that you know more about Las Hermanas Mirabal, the powerful, fierce, brave Mariposas, tres mujeres Latinas de la República Dominicana, you might to consider adding the following on your DR travel adventure:


Con amor y aventura,

Angelica H.

Founder of Mujer on the Move






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