Toño Rosario ignites the coast as new tourism platform launches in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo.- The iconic merengue rhythm of “El Kukito,” Toño Rosario, electrified the Santo Domingo Este boardwalk on Saturday night, kicking off the inaugural concert for Ritmo de la Costa (Rhythm of the Coast). This new platform, a project from the Ministry of Tourism, is designed to promote local culture and tourism across five coastal provinces.

The launch event aimed to spotlight the tourism potential of Santo Domingo Este’s monuments, natural attractions, and its newly revitalized boardwalk, which offers an unparalleled ocean view. A massive crowd packed the venue, where Rosario delivered a spectacular two-hour concert. He performed decades of his greatest hits, including “Dale Vieja Dale,” “Resistiré,” “Alegría,” and “Dominicano Soy,” drawing thunderous applause from the audience.

A celebration of public spaces and local pride

Tourism Minister David Collado, who joined Santo Domingo Este Mayor Dio Astacio on stage, highlighted the positive impact of the boardwalk’s reconstruction. “We have given our heart and soul to restore the Santo Domingo Este boardwalk,” Collado said. “This is just the first phase, and we’re already working on the second to give this community a recreational area for the entire family.”

Collado expressed his excitement over the huge turnout, calling the residents of Santo Domingo Este “honest and hardworking.” He ended his address by offering a blessing to the crowd, which responded with a resounding ovation.

Mayor Astacio praised Minister Collado for his efforts, crediting him with a plan to transform Santo Domingo Este into a major tourist destination. “This man built our boardwalk and is now working on another section,” Astacio said, adding that Collado’s tireless work helped the country welcome more than 10 million tourists, solidifying the Dominican Republic as a global tourism leader.

The event, animated by Eric Bell, began with a performance from the Ministry of Tourism’s folkloric ballet and traditional ensemble. Ritmo de la Costa will continue with monthly concerts on the last weekend of each month, with the goal of strengthening community bonds and highlighting the importance of public spaces in Santo Domingo, La Romana, Samaná, San Cristóbal, and María Trinidad Sánchez. The festival series will run until November 29.