Puerto Plata’s central park, Plaza Independencia will host the Provincial Festival of Puerto Plata (FEPP) from this Friday, 15 to Sunday, 17 November. Those attending will be able to taste and experience 100 products of the 10 municipal brands that show off the great diversity of experiences and services that each community offers.
The ambassadors of Japan Soichi Sato and Canada, Georges Boisse will be guests of honor at the opening event at 4pm on Friday.
FEPP is a community initiative with support from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) that has helped the people of Puerto Plata become aware of the wealth of their own resources, and has encouraged provincial unity through the program for Municipal Units for Community Heritage (UMPC).
Throughout the celebration there will be activities for all the family, with live music and entertainment by 20 local groups, all under the theme of “upbeat and rhythm.” A provincial bachata dance contest is on the agenda, with the participation of leading dancers from all the municipalities. On Sunday, 25 drum and congo players from Puerto Plata will present the show, “The Power of the Drum”, directed by Puerto Plata musician Joel Guzman and with a special appearance by well-known percussionist Felle Vega.
The Provincial Festival is organized by the Sustainable Tourism Based on Public-Private Participation for the Province of Puerto Plata (TURISOPP), the UMPC communities network, the Ministry of Tourism, Infotep, the Puerto Plata Chamber of Commerce and Ashonorte. It also has the backing of JICA, the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development, the Puerto Plata Tourism Cluster, the Dominican Tourism Press Association (Adompretur), the Ministry of Culture, City Government, Provincial Government, Ministry of Environment, the Bishop of Puerto Plata and the universities, UTESA, O&M and CURA-UASD.