Santo Domingo East Mayor Manuel Jiménez proudly inaugurated last week the entertainment public space, “Chencha.” The venue is located under the Matías Ramón Mella Bridge (La Bicicleta), in front of the Ozama River, in the Villa Duarte sector, in eastern Santo Domingo.
A Santo Domingo East municipality press release describes the new public place as a cultural center with parking area, restrooms, permanent security, lighting, sound system, dance platform, fixed stage, ramps for the disabled, landscaping, food and beverage outlets, and a privileged view of the sunsets on the Ozama River delta, in front of the floating bridge and the Colonial City.
The new public space is dedicated to Inocencia Paredes (Chencha) and José María Guerrero (Bonyé) known as the most emblematic son dance couple since 1986. They regularly danced son at the Club Nacional de Soneros, the main place to dance and listen to the tropical rhythm in the country. They took their dance to international stages.
Merengue singer Cuco Valoy and Grupo Bonyé delighted those attending the inauguration of the Chencha public space with the first live concert of many to follow.
At the opening ceremony, Mayor Manuel Jimenez said that Chencha is part of his project to enhance the quality of living in Santo Domingo East for families and friends.
The area is marked by colorful murals depicting emblematic local artists, such as Los Hermanos Rosario, Cuco Valoy, Miriam Cruz, Sexapil, Raulín Rosendo, the late Luisito Martí, the director and creator of the Music Academy, Alicia Pérez de Tamares (Iris Del Valle).
The facility will also be used for the development of the Musical Band System that the City Council is implementing with the support of the AES Dominicana Foundation.
During the ceremony, Jiménez also presented a recognition to Cuco Valoy and Chencha, for their outstanding support to art and culture.
The inaugural ended with a fireworks show and the performance of Cuco Valoy, who kept the audience dancing through the night.
Read more in Spanish:
El Dia
Diario Libre
19 December 2022