Grand Carnival Gala 2009 to be Held in Santiago for Second Time

The nineteenth version of the Grand Carnival Gala 2009, organized by the well-known Santiago choreographer, Víctor Erarte, will be held in this city.

New this year, the Grand Carnival Gala 2009 will include the participation of children’s troupes. Emely Taveras, the innovative television moderator and host of the “Everyone with Emily” show, will be the conductor of this segment of the Carnival show.

The event, designed this time for the whole family, is scheduled for Sunday March 8 to be held at the Restoration Hall of the Grand Theater of Cibao starting at 6:00 p.m.

Víctor Erarte emphasized the enthusiasm the overflows from all the people involved in the organization of the Grand Carnival Gala 2009 where there will be a true outpouring of ingenuity, magic and creativity as it is already a tradition with these types of events, unique in the country.

New this year, the Grand Carnival Gala 2009 will include the participation of children’s troupes. Emely Taveras, the innovative television moderator and host of the “Everyone with Emily” show, will be the conductor of this segment of the Carnival show.

“We are so happy that the Grand Carnival Gala is dedicating part of its production to children, a break from the past when most of the shows were dedicated to adults,” said Vitico Erarte. “This part of the general production will appeal to the entire family and to all Dominicans as there will be big surprises throughout the entire show.”

The stage design and scenery of the Grand Carnival Gala 2009 will be overseen by the well-known Dominican scenery expert Fidel López. Lighting will be done by the B & M Events Company and Edwin Belliard.

The show includes the participation of representatives of Santiago, La Vega, San Francisco de Macorís, Bonao, Baní, Mao, Azua and Santo Domingo who will exhibit their creations and staging done by outstanding national designers and choreographers such as Candy Benoit, Luis Rivas, Oscar Grullón, Handry Santana, Nathalie Borzo, Fidel Morel, Frank Mercado, Felipe Batista, Miguel Paulino, among others.

The jury that will select the winning groups is made up of renowned personalities in the world of design, communication and entertainment. Presenters of the show are Francisco Sanchís and Milly de Moya. There will also be a “surprise presenter.”

The Grand Carnival Gala 2009 marks the close of this year’s Santiago Carnival which was organized by the United Media Group of Cibao (MUCI) in coordination with the city’s Town Hall, the Provincial Governor’s Office and the Federation of Limping Devils of Santiago. This year’s celebration was dedicated to businessman José Armando (Poppy) Bermúdez.