Dominican Republic Promotes Cultural Tourism in Milwaukee and Chicago

Dominican Republic Promotes Cultural Tourism in Milwaukee and Chicago

Merengue Extravaganza was used by the Tourism Ministry (SECTUR) to promote Dominican culture in the United States´ western media. The Ministry treated tour operators and travel agents in Milwaukee and Chicago to the sounds of Merengue´s inimitable rhythm and flavor.

Patricia Pérez said that these types of events prove that the Dominican Republic is more than just sun and sand but that “we are also a destination that is rich in culture. This element is very important for tourism.”

The event consisted of an art exhibition called Visual Rhythms, in Milwaukee which expressed the energy and precision of the Merengue through photographs, painting, sculpture, videos and more than 45 works of art by more than 25 contemporary and classical artists from the Dominican Republic, according to SECTUR´s Office of Press and Communications.

Patricia Pérez, Director of the Office of Tourism Promotion (OTP) in Chicago, said the artistic expressions at the show were contributed by the Leon Center and that the exhibition was recognized by critics for its ability to capture the essence of our Merengue.

The activity was organized by the Latino Arts Foundation with support from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, the Wisconsin Arts Board and the Milwaukee Arts Board. It was co-sponsored by the Dominican Office of Tourism Promotion (OTP) in Chicago.

Pérez said the event involved mounting two cultural activities. The first, “Merengue Extravaganza,” in Milwaukee and the second was a fusion of Dance and poetry called “Poetry in April, a night of poetry and dance organized by Contratiempo magazine with support from De Paul University and Northwestern University in Chicago. Moira Pujols, director of Contratiempo magazine, was the organizer of the event.

Throughout the happening, participants enjoyed a concert given by well-known singer Lidia María Hernández (La India Canela), who showed her talent and ability to move people regardless of their culture or language. Her rhythmic music got everyone up dancing, albeit from their seats.

In organizing this occasion, SECTUR and the deputy Culture Minister, contributed to this cultural montage with the presence of classical Dominican dancers Víctor Ramírez and Mercedes Morales of the Roto Ballet. The dancers expressed their poetry message through contemporary dance, mesmerizing their viewers.

In both presentations, the public was fascinated with Dominican art in its various forms. Indeed they took the opportunity to pick up available promotional material, expressing great interest in visiting our country.