Cabarete event 2026: Butterfly Effect promotes Women’s Leadership and Wellness in Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. — The Cabarete Butterfly Effect will return for its 18th edition from July 7–11, 2026, under the theme “IGNITE,” bringing together women and girls from across the country for a program focused on wellness, leadership, water sports, and community impact.
Organized by the Cabarete Butterfly Effect Board of Directors, the annual event continues to position Cabarete as a regional hub for female empowerment through sport and sustainable community engagement.
The announcement was made at La Lola Beach Club, led by founder and president Michelle Bourdeau, who highlighted the event’s continued growth. Last year’s edition gathered 165 participants, marking a record attendance and reinforcing its status as one of the Caribbean’s leading women-focused initiatives combining empowerment, wellness, and water sports.
“IGNITE represents the spark within each of us,” Bourdeau said. “Our goal is for every woman and girl to recognize her potential, take bold steps forward, and understand her ability to create meaningful change in her community.”
A key development for the 2026 edition is a partnership with the Fundación 4 Estrellas, through which funds will be raised to support its swimming program for girls, aimed at improving water safety and expanding access to aquatic sports.
The week-long program will feature a series of activities including Stand-Up Paddle clinics, aqua fitness sessions at Millennium Resort & Spa, yoga led by Lorena Medina Bournigal, a catamaran cruise, and optional surf lessons at Playa Encuentro, alongside wellness and leadership-focused experiences.
The program begins Tuesday, July 7, with registration and a sponsor showcase. Wednesday is dedicated to wellness activities, followed by a community beach cleanup and the “Women in Leadership Positions” conference on Thursday. Friday will feature the catamaran cruise, while Saturday, July 11, will host the main event, including yoga, the signature river paddle crossing, sports demonstrations, and the closing celebration.
The initiative also continues its environmental commitment. During its most recent cleanup in collaboration with Corito Sostenible, participants collected 182 kilograms of plastic, 85 kilograms of glass, and additional recyclable materials, underscoring the event’s sustainability focus.
The 2026 edition is supported by Fresh Fruit Dominicana, RealtorDR, Andari Spa, Millennium Resort & Spa, AMG Comunica, and other partners, volunteers, and local institutions.
Organizers invite women and girls across the Dominican Republic to participate in an experience that blends sport, wellness, leadership, and sustainability, with the aim of generating long-term social impact and empowering the next generation of female leaders.
