Santo Domingo’s Chinatown celebrates the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival
The heart of Santo Domingo vibrated once again with the cultural richness of Asia. Chinatown was the chosen setting to commemorate the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most significant festivities in Chinese tradition, which managed to bring together a diverse crowd, including Dominican families, diplomatic authorities, community leaders, and local merchants.
The organization of this event was in charge of the Flor Para Todos Foundation and the Center of the Chinese Colony in the Dominican Republic. The day featured the distinguished presence of the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in the country, Chen Luning, along with delegates from the Fujian General Chamber of Commerce and various associations representing the Asian community.
More than 160 years of history and integration
Rosa NG, president of the Flor Para Todos Foundation and the main promoter of Chinatown, led the event, highlighting the trajectory of a community that has been an integral part of Dominican society for more than a century and a half. NG emphasized that Chinatown was conceived from its inception as an inclusive space, designed to be a multicultural meeting point open to the entire population.
We Chinese do not talk, we do.
Rosa NG, President of the Flor Para Todos Foundation
During her speech, the leader stressed that the legacy of Chinese immigrants in the country is defined by fundamental values such as discipline, solidarity, and an untiring work ethic, pillars that have allowed for their full integration into the Dominican social fabric.
A festival full of tradition and purpose
- Artistic performances that included the iconic dragon dance and traditional Chinese music.
- Recreational activities for children and families, fostering community interaction.
- Samples of gastronomic fusion, highlighting the impact of Chinese restaurants on local eating habits.
- Social assistance actions promoted by organizations such as the Fujian General Chamber of Commerce to support vulnerable sectors.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, served not only to honor ancestral roots but also to project the future. Rosa NG announced that new projects are already being planned for the recovery of public spaces and the strengthening of the Chinatown infrastructure, with the goal of continuing to enrich the cultural offerings of the Dominican capital and preparing for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations.
The day concluded with a message of unity, reaffirming that Chinatown continues to be a fundamental pillar in the commercial and social history of Santo Domingo, consolidating itself as a bridge of cooperation between both peoples.
