Brussels, Belgium. The Embassy of the Dominican Republic to the Kingdom of Belgium, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Mission to the European Union, celebrated the 179th anniversary of national Independence with a grand reception and song recital at the historic Hotel de Ville (Communal House of the Brussels city).
The commemoration began with the notes of the national anthem sung by the Dominican-Belgian tenor Manuel Bros. Ambassador Ogando Lora opened the celebration, thanking those present for attending our National Holiday. In his words, he referred to the progress of the Dominican economy in recent decades and the challenge assumed by President Luis Abinader to make economic growth more inclusive, participatory, equitable, sustainable and sustainable.
He highlighted the consolidation of Dominican democracy and the commitment to work with the international community to jointly face the great threats in the world today such as climate change, commercial neo-protectionism, ideological populism, misinformation, forced migration, among others. Finally, he highlighted the essential role of the industrious Dominican community in Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as the work done in the dissemination of our culture and heritage.
The activity continued with the recital ‘Songs of art from the Dominican Republic and the world”, by the renowned Dominican soprano Stephany Ortega and the French pianist Emmanuelle Bizien. The concert was an ode to Dominicanness and the existing friendship ties between our country and Europe, and included pieces such as For love of the teacher Rafael Solano and I sing to the Homeland of Juan Luis Guerra.
The well-attended activity also included an exhibition of Dominican carnival masks thanks to the support of the Paris Tourist Office. Likewise, the guests were able to enjoy a tasting of premium Dominican rum and chocolate courtesy of Ron Barceló and Rizek Cacao, respectively.
The celebration was attended by Belgian government officials, representatives of the European Union, ambassadors and representatives of accredited Brussels multilateral organizations, as well as a large group of the Dominican community. The event provided a special opportunity to showcase Dominican culture and pay tribute to the country’s independence.
