Santo Domingo’s Chinatown hosts Mid-Autumn Festival celebrating Chinese culture
Santo Domingo’s Chinatown hosted the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, bringing together members of the Chinese community, diplomatic representatives, merchants, Dominican families and community organizations for a celebration of Chinese culture and Dominican-Chinese ties.
The event was organized by the Flor Para Todos Foundation and the Chinese Colony Center in the Dominican Republic, with the participation of Chinese Ambassador Chen Luning, representatives of the Fujian General Chamber of Commerce and several Chinese community associations.
The celebration was led by Rosa NG, president of the Flor Para Todos Foundation and founder of Santo Domingo’s Chinatown, who highlighted the more than 160-year history of the Chinese community in the Dominican Republic.
NG recalled that early Chinese immigrants arrived in the country seeking opportunities after facing poverty and conflict in China. She emphasized the values of hard work, discipline, solidarity and family that have shaped generations of the community.
A multicultural meeting point
NG also highlighted the integration of the Chinese community into Dominican society, describing Chinatown as a space open to Dominicans and visitors rather than exclusively to the Chinese community.
The area has evolved into a multicultural destination where Asian traditions, gastronomy, commerce and cultural activities coexist. The festival reflected that diversity through dragon performances, traditional music, children’s activities and other cultural presentations.
The celebration also highlighted contributions by Chinese organizations beyond commerce, including cultural initiatives, community assistance and support for vulnerable groups. NG pointed to the popularity of Chinese restaurants known locally as “pica pollos” as an example of the cultural and culinary exchange between Chinese and Dominican communities.
The event included gifts donated by the Fujian General Chamber of Commerce and activities aimed at strengthening community ties.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is traditionally a time for family gatherings, gratitude and good wishes. In Santo Domingo, the celebration has become an opportunity to promote cultural exchange and strengthen ties between the Dominican Republic and China.
NG also announced plans to support the recovery of public spaces and infrastructure around Chinatown, with the goal of creating additional venues for cultural activities and future Chinese New Year celebrations.
The festival concluded with a message of unity and cooperation, reaffirming Chinatown’s role as a cultural and community meeting point in Santo Domingo.
