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Dominican Republic to Showcase Eastern Region Heritage at New Cultural Festival
The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Culture will bring together the artistic and cultural traditions of six eastern provinces during a three-day festival in Higüey from August 28 to 30, highlighting regional identity and heritage through music, dance, gastronomy, crafts, and educational activities.
The Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of the Eastern Region Cultural Festival, a three-day event designed to celebrate the artistic, historical, and cultural traditions of the Dominican Republic’s eastern provinces. Scheduled for August 28–30, the festival will take place at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) Higüey campus in La Altagracia province.
The event will honor renowned Dominican artisan Genaro “Cayuco” Reyes, recognizing his contributions to the country’s traditional craftsmanship. According to Culture Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo, the festival aims to strengthen regional identity while providing a platform to showcase the cultural richness of Monte Plata, San Pedro de Macorís, Hato Mayor, La Romana, El Seibo, and La Altagracia.
A Celebration of Regional Traditions
Visitors will be able to experience a diverse program featuring traditional music, folk dances, theater performances, visual arts, oral storytelling, local cuisine, handicrafts, and other expressions of Dominican popular culture. The initiative seeks to bring together artists, artisans, and cultural practitioners from across the eastern region in a single venue.
The program will also include activities designed for children and young people, encouraging broader community participation while promoting appreciation for the country’s cultural heritage.
Part of a National Cultural Strategy
Salcedo said the festival forms part of the ministry’s broader strategy to decentralize cultural programming by expanding access to artistic events beyond the capital. The initiative reflects an effort to promote high-quality cultural activities across different regions of the Dominican Republic while highlighting the unique identity of each area.
In addition to live performances, attendees will find an exhibition of publications by Dominican authors presented through the National Publishing House, a showcase dedicated to carnival identities, and activities focused on preserving both the country’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
By bringing together multiple artistic disciplines and traditions in one event, the festival seeks to celebrate the diversity of the Dominican Republic’s eastern region while encouraging greater public engagement with its cultural legacy.
