“What is most important was that Expo Cultures of the World Puerto Plata 2005 took issues that are on the international agenda, such as governance, tourism and culture as integrating elements, placing the country at the forefront of this kind of international event,” emphasized the former consular officer who has decided to stay in the DR and take a leave of absence from her work as Colombian representative.

“No less important is the strengthening of the Dominican culture in the international context, with the symbols that make the DR stand apart, and thus the thematic interdependence and diversity that the ministries of Tourism, Culture and Foreign Relations brought to the event,” she explained. She pointed out that at Expo Cultures of the World, international relations, culture and tourism came together not only to promote the north coast of the DR, but also to share the cultural heritage of the participating nations, strengthening cooperation and friendship ties between the international community and the Dominican Republic.

The unprecedented success of the event that took place at the start of summer posed a challenge to the organizers to turn it into an annual summer event. Among its objectives, the activity aims to contribute to Puerto Plata’s development as one of the Caribbean region’s leading cultural cities while at the same time projecting it as one of the most attractive and diverse destinations in the world.

The formal part of the event opened with a mass at San Felipe Cathedral by Apostolic Nuncio and dean of the diplomatic corps, Monsignor Timothy Broglio, followed by the opening speeches. Broglio highlighted: “Certainly, to get to know a country’s cultural expressions is a way of entering the heart of a people. Other people’s art, folklore, music, dance, cinema, food and drink, books and crafts invite us into their homes, leading to an open dialogue that goes beyond hard statistical and economic facts.”

Representing the Ministry of Foreign Relations was Juan Guiliani; Sulamita Puig for the Ministry of Culture; Cesar de los Santos for the Ministry of Tourism. Also present during the opening were Puerto Plata’s governor and mayor, Francis Vargas and Ramon Ortiz, respectively.

In his opening words, Ventura Serra, president of the of the Playa Dorada Hotel Owners Association, explained that when faced with such a demanding and competitive world, with so many complementary offers, the tourism industry needs to be creative. “Expo Cultures of the World 2005 can become the first stone upon which to build an arts festival, where we can present and market art in its different expressions, which should contribute towards consolidating us as a cultural destination.”

Puerto Plata’s Central Park was looking its best for the performances by stars from several countries that attracted proud and enthusiastic crowds of the city’s residents. Every day and during the nights too, those attending could visit the exhibitions at the Casa de la Cultura and Casa Costa to see ceramics, sculpture, painting, and photographic works by both national and international artists.

On the inauguration day, Monday, 6 June, after the opening address, a Dominican cultural show was put on. It began with a performance by the Santiago Centro de la Cultura’s folkloric dance group, winner of the national Casandra award, showcasing “zapateo,” “guarapo,” “callao,” “carabine” dances, finishing with the better-known merengue.