Announcing the “Santo Domingo Colonial Fest” for this weekend

Announcing the “Santo Domingo Colonial Fest” for this weekend
Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, October 11, 2012

The Ministry of Culture, the San Souci Group and the National District City Council have announced that the celebration of the “Santo Domingo Colonial Fest”will take placeOctober 12th, 13th and 14th. The celebration will include popular concerts, gastronomic and craftsfairs, the opening of museums and restaurants and hotel deals.

Other planned activities are the traditional “Palo Encebao (greased pole climbing competition)”, juggling, ribbon dancing and a horseshoe throwing competition. Meanwhile, schools will have the opportunity to use their mystique and highlight, through various initiatives, the work they carry out each day.

The festival seeks the positive and sustained transformation of families living in the oldest area of the first capital that was established in the new world, according to a statement issued by the Department of Communications of the Ministry of Culture.

While the event takes place, artisans can sell their products and artists will have the opportunity to create and showcase new pieces. Also, it is expected that area hotelswillfill their room capacity 100 percent, and that restaurants will seea higher number of customers during the days of the celebration and later.

The event will includeshowswith clowns and mimes and concerts by local artists (both well-known singers and new talent). In addition, train rides will be offered with colonial characters and there will be living sculptures from all periods of Dominican history,as well as diverse activities in the Museumsof the Colonial City.

On Sunday, starting at 6 p.m., there will be a gastronomic tour of the participating restaurants. A similar festival will also take place, as well as the presentation of the choir of the Cathedral located in Plaza España. The closing ceremony will take place in the same square with a big concert and a colorful fireworks show.

The Santo Domingo Colonial Fest has received the joint support of the Ministry of Tourism, Politur, The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, The Association of Merchants of Calle El Conde, and the Neighborhood Committee of the Colonial City.

Train rides will be offered with colonial characters.

Poster of the Colonial Fest.

The Colonial Fest seeks to revitalize the culture, the monuments, the gastronomy and the history of the Dominican Republic, to raise awareness in a healthy and festive environment, and have the public appreciate the authenticity and uniqueness of the Dominican authenticity and idiosyncrasy.