标签： Dominican Republic

SANTIAGO – In a vibrant ceremony celebrating the rhythm and cultural heritage of the ‘Heart City,’ Mayor Ulises Rodríguez has officially inaugurated the Santiago Carnival 2026. This announcement heralds the commencement of one of the Cibao region’s most significant cultural festivities, set to feature weekly parades every Sunday throughout February, culminating in a grand finale on March 1.

Mayor Rodríguez articulated a strategic vision for the carnival, framing it as a multifaceted initiative designed to reinforce cultural identity, energize the local economy, and elevate Santiago’s status as a premier cultural and tourist destination. He detailed a collaborative framework involving carnival groups, cultural institutions, and private sector partners, all coordinated to deliver a celebration that is not only more secure and well-organized but also more inclusive and far-reaching.

The program is crafted to showcase local artistic talent, encourage robust community involvement, and feature traditional parades alongside family-oriented artistic activities. Beyond its cultural objectives, the event is positioned as a dynamic platform for economic revitalization, promising substantial benefits for local entrepreneurs, artisans, performers, and merchants.

Significant operational innovations, guided by a comprehensive master plan, were announced by Carnival Executive Director Adalberto Rodríguez. A key development is the strategic partnership with Cervecería Nacional Dominicana (CND), which will bolster logistical support and entertainment offerings. To ensure public safety and order, authorities will deploy a robust security contingent of approximately 800 police officers for each event, complemented by enhanced cleanliness measures. City officials extend an open invitation to both residents and international visitors to experience a revitalized carnival that masterfully blends the preservation of cherished traditions with a forward-looking embrace of modernity.

Santo Domingo witnessed an extraordinary display of national pride on Sunday as the ‘Caravan for the Homeland 2026’ captivated residents and visitors alike. Organized by the Duartian Institute, the event formed a centerpiece of the Month of the Homeland celebrations, attracting multigenerational families and vintage automobile enthusiasts in significant numbers.

The procession commenced at 3:00 p.m. from the historic San Diego Gate in the Colonial District. A spectacular collection of meticulously maintained classic vehicles, adorned with Dominican flags and patriotic emblems, embarked on a carefully planned route traversing George Washington Avenue, segments of the 30 de Mayo Highway, and numerous streets within the capital’s UNESCO-recognized historic center. The caravan culminated its journey at the symbolic Altar of the Fatherland within Independence Park, creating a powerful visual narrative connecting different eras of Dominican history.

Spectators lined the thoroughfares, enthusiastically applauding and capturing photographs as the historic vehicles passed by. The vibrant atmosphere reflected a collective appreciation for national heritage and automotive history.

Dr. Wilson Gómez Ramírez, President of the Duartian Institute, presided over the opening ceremonies, emphasizing the event’s significance within the broader patriotic observances. He articulated that the caravan serves dual purposes: honoring founding father Juan Pablo Duarte on the 210th anniversary of his birth and instilling national values in younger generations through engaging, family-friendly activities.

Multiple classic automobile clubs participated enthusiastically, presenting vehicles whose histories span more than seven decades. The carefully preserved automobiles provided a rolling museum of automotive design evolution while fostering a festive environment that celebrated Dominican identity, cultural continuity, and historical preservation.

Meteorological authorities in the Dominican Republic have escalated emergency preparedness measures as a significant weather system approaches the Caribbean nation. The Emergency Operations Center (COE) has activated green alert status across eight provinces in response to a trough linked to an advancing cold front expected to generate sustained moderate-to-heavy rainfall throughout Sunday.

The alert encompasses La Altagracia, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana, Hato Mayor, El Seibo, the National District, Santo Domingo, and San Cristóbal. This precautionary measure indicates meteorological conditions capable of producing hazardous events affecting population centers either partially or entirely.

Maritime authorities have issued specific warnings for vessel operators along the Atlantic coastline. Operators of fragile, small, and medium-sized crafts between Manzanillo Bay and Cabo Francés Viejo have been instructed to remain in port, while those operating along other coastal areas must navigate with extreme caution within proximity to shorelines due to anticipated abnormal swell conditions.

The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) forecasts precipitation commencing in early morning hours across eastern, southeastern, and northeastern regions. Meteorological modeling predicts subsequent expansion of storm activity to Sánchez Ramírez, Duarte, María Trinidad Sánchez, Hermanas Mirabal, La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, San José de Ocoa, Santiago, Puerto Plata, Espaillat, San Juan, Elías Pina, Dajabón, Valverde, Santiago Rodríguez, and Monte Cristi throughout the daylight hours. These precipitation events may feature accompanying wind gusts.

Emergency management officials strongly recommend that residents maintain communication with defense and relief organizations including Civil Defense, Armed Forces, Red Cross, National Police, Fire Departments, and the COE itself. Citizens residing in flood-prone areas are advised to implement protective measures against potential flash flooding and surge events. Authorities specifically warn against crossing rivers, streams, and ravines with elevated water levels and prohibit recreational swimming in all alert-designated provinces.

Indomet anticipates persistent meteorological activity extending into nighttime hours with particularly concentrated rainfall expected across eastern and northern provincial territories as the cold front system continues influencing regional weather patterns.

SANTO DOMINGO OESTE – In a significant move to address housing needs, President Luis Abinader has officially handed over 200 new residential units to families in the Lolita II Residential Project located in Hato Nuevo. This latest delivery brings the total number of completed homes in the development to 340, following the earlier inauguration of 140 units. The project represents a substantial commitment to improving living conditions for Dominican families, with these 200 apartments specifically designed to benefit approximately 670 residents.

Constructed on a 12,567-square-meter property, each apartment spans 58 square meters and features comprehensive living amenities including three bedrooms, two bathrooms, combined living and dining areas, a functional kitchen, private balcony, and dedicated laundry space. The development extends beyond the residential units with planned parking facilities, visitor parking areas, landscaped green spaces with seating arrangements, and children’s playground facilities.

The residential complex enjoys strategic positioning near essential services and infrastructure, including public transportation routes, educational institutions, retail markets, fuel stations, medical facilities, and recreational areas such as Francisco Peña Park and the Hato Nuevo playground.

Vice Minister of the Ministry of Housing and Buildings Claudio Espinal emphasized the transformative impact of the initiative during the ceremony: ‘Today we are not merely distributing keys; we are providing peace of mind, stability, and future security. Decent housing constitutes a fundamental right rather than a privilege—it is the foundation where family values develop and dreams take shape through enhanced security measures. This exemplifies the state’s role in supporting citizens during crucial life moments.’

The project represents a total investment of RD$529,848,000, funded through a public-private partnership model with approximately RD$356,383,200 contributed by private sector entities and RD$173,464,800 provided as government subsidy.

The persistence of dirt-floor dwellings continues to symbolize the profound vulnerability confronting families entrenched in extreme poverty across the Dominican Republic. These substandard living conditions, characterized by pervasive dust and unhygienic environments, pose significant health risks to inhabitants. Compounding these dangers, the frequently inadequate construction materials offer minimal protection against severe weather events and natural disasters.

In a landmark policy decision, the Dominican Government identified the elimination of dirt floors among fifty critical initiatives during its inaugural Council of Ministers session on January 11. This comprehensive poverty alleviation strategy simultaneously targets the phase-out of traditional wood and charcoal stoves, addressing multiple dimensions of housing insecurity.

According to the most recent 2022 National Population and Housing Census, the scale of this challenge has been precisely quantified. Among the nation’s 3,694,060 occupied dwellings, 69,620 residences (1.9%) still maintain dirt floors—with 25,366 located in urban zones and 44,254 in rural communities.

Geographic distribution reveals surprising patterns: despite rapid urbanization, Santo Domingo Province records the highest concentration with 11,409 dirt-floor homes. This exceeds the figures for San Juan (6,010) and Azua (4,277). Conversely, Hermanas Mirabal (304), Santiago Rodríguez (402), and Samaná (649) demonstrate the most significant progress in eliminating these substandard conditions.

Historical comparison with the 2002 census data reveals substantial progress, with nationwide dirt-floor residences declining from 150,123 to current levels—representing a reduction of more than half over two decades.

A multi-sector approach has emerged to accelerate this transformation. Since 2020, the Ministry of Housing and Buildings has implemented the “Change of Dirt Floor for Cement Floor” program, successfully converting 13,905 homes between 2021 and 2024. Simultaneously, humanitarian organization Habitat for Humanity contributed to replacing 530 dirt floors with polished cement surfaces in the latter half of 2023, with ambitious plans to address 1,888 additional households throughout 2024.