Santo Domingo
America’s by LARRY ROHTER
A
s the oldest European city in the New World, Santo Domingo, founded by Christopher Columbus’s brother Bartolomeo in 1496, has enjoyed a long and distinguished history. Now, with the recent accession of a new government, in which an 89-year-old president gave way to a successor less than half his age, the capital of the Dominican Republic seems to have embarked on a process of renewal and rejuvenation. Government buildings are being spruced up, efforts are being made to expand cultural offerings and tourist attractions, and even the natural effervescence of Santo Domingo’s two million residents appears to have gone up a notch. For a city that normally moves at the same hectic tempo of the merengue music that blares from its storefronts and car radios, that is saying something. The next few months, howev-
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er, offer an opportunity to savor Santo Domingo at a slightly less frenetic pace. The traditional Independence and Carnival celebrations have just ended, allowing the city a chance to catch its breath before the annual Merengue Festival at the end of July. That does not mean that Dominicans entirely abandon their vocation for pleasure during Lent. Holy Week, which this year begins March 23, is one of the most important festivals for Dominicans, a time
church. Then, on Saturday, the festivities end with the ceremonial beating and burning of the image of Judas, accompanied by much amiable raucousness. Meanwhile, those who can afford to do so will head straight for the beaches east of town just beyond the airport, in Boca Chica and Juan Dolio.
Events Blessed with a benevolent tropical climate, Santo Domin-
“For a city that normally moves at the same hectic tempo of the merengue music that blares from its storefronts and car radios, that is saying something.” when the city that claims to be the largest in the Caribbean returns to its roots. Many neighborhoods, especially in outlying areas, organize spirited folk dances and processions from the local parish
go residents tend to spend as much time as possible outdoors, engaged in their two favorite diversions: dancing and playing baseball. But museums and concert halls are also active (with weekly listings of
First City! Discover the beauty of the New World’s oldest city.
events published in English by the Santo Domingo News), especially in spring. So even though this may be the world capital of the merengue, the first Santo Domingo Music Festival, March 12 to 21, will focus exclusively on classical music. Programs include works
nal, 35 Avenida Maximo Gmez, range from $11 to $36 and can be ordered by telephone at (888) 637-5347. The concert series coincides with an International Festival of Puppetry March 14 to 16 at
“Blessed with a benevolent tropical climate, Santo Domingo residents tend to spend as much time as possible outdoors, engaged in their two favorite diversions: dancing and playing baseball.” by Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, Mozart, Ravel, Tchaikovsky and Villa Lobos, performed by Andre Watts, Philippe Entremont, the Everest Quartet and soloists from the Vienna Chamber Orchestra. Tickets for individual concerts, all at the Teatro Nacio-
the Teatro Nacional. Troupes from Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela and Spain, as well as the Dominican Republic, will be featured in displays of puppets and marionettes and performances, in Spanish only. Call (809) 687-3191.
From April 2 to May 30, the Museum of Modern Art, part of the Plaza de la Cultura complex on Calle Pedro Henriquez Urena, will be host to the ‘’Entre Americas’’ exhibition, devoted to six young American artists. Admission is free. Call (809) 685-2153 for information. The annual Gastronomic Festival will be held May 25 to 27 at the Hotel V Centenario Inter-Continental. Chefs from restaurants and hotels all over the country compete with their best regional recipes, with offerings ranging from extravagant stews to sinfully rich desserts. For reservations, call (809) 221-0000. There will be a
National Travel Something or Other
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