The Dominican Republic is known in the world for its music: there is no house, street or beach where it does not reign supreme its contagious rhythm. It is not surprising, therefore, that people often let themselves be taken by notes and songs or sudden a few steps.
But there is a special moment in which capital Santo Domingo is transformed for 3 days and 3 nights in a hectic open-air dance floor: it is the annual Merengue Festival, held this year from 29 to 31 July. A magical show with folklore performances in costume, competitions, craft markets, parties and events dedicated to delicious local gastronomy.
Of all unique in its kind, it is also the "palco" chosen for this extraordinary kermesse all dedicated to merengue: the main events take place, in fact, in front of the Malecón, the splendid promenade of the capital, closed to traffic for the occasion and transformed into a dance floor en plein air really spectacular where young emerging and stars of the Dominican and Latin music perform, proposing their pieces, mainly of merengue and bachata.
Just the merengue, considered the "national heritage" of the Dominican Republic, boasts a very fascinating history, closely linked to that of the country. Although it is difficult to establish with certainty its origins, it seems that this dance derives from a dance called Upa Habanera reached the Caribbean area between 1838 and 1843, spreading at first in Puerto Rico.
It is thought that a particular "movement" was called merengue, a movement that began to be "balled" in the Dominican Republic from mid-800. Within a few years and after some controversy, the merengue became much loved in Santo Domingo, supplanting the tumba, the most in vogue dance of the time.
Participating in these events is a bit of diving into the most overwhelming rhythm and the most authentic warmth of Caribe: the ideal opportunity for all to experience carefreeness and the joy of the Dominican Republic and its inhabitants. For those who want to enjoy the best of Santo Domingo without losing a moment of the most overwhelming Festival of the Dominican Republic, you can choose the Antico Boutique Hotel Europa, charming hotel built in an ancient palace and located in the middle of the colonial area, in calle Arzobispo Meriño, one of the historical streets of the city, a few steps from all the most significant attractions of the capital.
