Santo Domingo prepares to host a groundbreaking cultural convergence as the fourth Dominican Writing Festival (FESD) unfolds at Galería 360 on April 25-26, 2026. Under the thematic banner “We tell our great stories,” this multidisciplinary event transcends conventional literary gatherings to examine the evolving Caribbean identity through the prism of displacement and homecoming.
Organized by the visionary multicultural platform CuentaRD—founded by writers Roxanna Marte and Rafael J. Rodríguez Pérez—in collaboration with Luna Insomne Editores, the festival strategically connects the island nation with its extensive global diaspora. The 2026 edition positions itself as a dynamic forum exploring transnationalism, the psychological landscape inhabited by authors who create from the peripheries of their homeland.
The festival’s centerpiece dialogue, “Archipelago on Fire: For whom do we Caribbean writers write?”, addresses the complex relationship between Caribbean authors and their geographically dispersed audiences. This thematic focus gains depth through the participation of acclaimed Cuban-American author Achy Obejas, whose work exemplifies the concept of “extra-territorial” belonging that resonates with many Dominican writers.
Regional integration forms a critical component of this year’s programming. The festival deliberately intertwines Dominican narratives with broader Caribbean experiences through several curated discussions. “Haiti in words: identity, resistance, and hope” brings together Edwin Paraison, Jhak Valcourt, and Jacques Alix Louis to examine literature as an instrument of resilience during crisis. Similarly, “Reading Cuba: between the island and the diaspora” features Alberto Garrido, Bismar Galán, and Celestino Esquerré dissecting the political and intimate dimensions of writing from within and beyond national borders.
The Venezuelan migratory experience receives dedicated attention through the colloquium “Reading a new country” with Siddharta Mata and Aída Magallanes, acknowledging the shared displacement narratives that increasingly unite Caribbean nations.
Beyond traditional literary formats, FESD embraces the multidisciplinary nature of contemporary Caribbean storytelling. Filmmakers Natalia Cabral and Tito Rodríguez join author Miguel Yarull in analyzing the transition from “paper to screen” in a session moderated by Juan José Namnún. Theatrical adaptations take center stage as Manuel Chapuseaux, Ingrid Luciano, and Richarson Díaz explore the translation of Dominican literature to performance mediums.
The festival incorporates vibrant performative elements, including a presentation inspired by Julia de Burgos’ work and a tribute to Cuban poet Dulce María Loynaz. The event culminates with “The voice on fire,” a Spoken Word performance celebrating the visceral power of oral storytelling.
Academic discourse finds its place through Sarah Aponte, Chief Librarian of the Dominican Studies Institute at CUNY, who presents a conference on digital preservation in specialized libraries. This addresses the paradoxical reality that significant portions of Dominican intellectual heritage are currently maintained and digitized abroad.
Maintaining its commitment to accessibility, the festival offers free admission to all events, supported by sponsors including Kelsy Wilmot, Navegante Urbano, and Editora Pulpo. Complementary programming includes workshops for parents led by Mariela García and sessions examining the global emergence of Dominican comic books, ensuring the festival cultivates a sustainable reading culture amidst digital age challenges.