SANTO DOMINGO — The 28th edition of the Santo Domingo International Book Fair (FILSD 2026) is breaking traditional boundaries between literary and artistic expression, placing Dominican music front and center as a core attraction of this year’s event. For six straight evenings, local musicians and ensembles will take the stage at the Oasis Lúdico cultural space, located within the iconic Plaza de la Cultura Juan Pablo Duarte, to showcase the depth and diversity of the Dominican Republic’s rich musical heritage.
All nightly performances kick off at 8:00 p.m. at the Juan Lockward Bar, situated within the Eduardo Brito National Theater. The curated lineup spans nearly every corner of Dominican musical tradition, spanning everything from intimate singer-songwriter storytelling and lush romantic ballads to time-honored folkloric pieces, smooth jazz, and the country’s world-famous merengue and bachata styles, alongside innovative cross-genre fusion projects.
The concert series launched on Monday, September 28, opening with a dynamic set from Emmanuel Bretón and his full ensemble. Tuesday’s evening featured a performance from Marakandé, the genre-bending group led by celebrated percussionist David Almengod.
The midweek lineup continues Wednesday with Patricio Bonilla & Boni Jazz, who will bring their signature blend of Latin jazz, upbeat merengue, and infectious tropical rhythms to the stage. Thursday evening will be dedicated to romantic repertoire, with vocalist Rose Mateo and her group delivering a soulful, intimate set of love songs.
Friday’s headlining slot goes to pioneering singer-songwriter Xiomara Fortuna, an artist widely recognized for her creative fusion of traditional Dominican folk sounds with jazz, rock, and contemporary tropical rhythms. The six-night concert series will wrap up on Saturday, when Samuel González and his ensemble will close out the program with a curated set of boleros, classic bachatas, and original reimaginings of iconic jazz standards.
Organizers note that this integrated musical program adds an entirely new, immersive layer to the book fair’s experience, creating a dynamic shared space where literature, local audiences, and diverse Dominican artistic expressions converge to celebrate the country’s cultural identity.