Santo Domingo.- In a heartwarming and festive atmosphere, the National Palace gardens were illuminated to mark the official lighting of the 2024 Christmas tree, ushering in the Christmas season. First Lady Raquel Arbaje, alongside President Luis Abinader and Vice President Raquel Peña, welcomed guests to the event, which featured a performance by the Dominican National Children’s Choir. The choir, led by maestro Ángel Herdz, performed a selection of Christmas carols a cappella and accompanied by a string quintet.
Guests enjoyed festive classics like “Feliz Navidad,” “Pastores a Belén,” and “Angels on High,” which filled the air with holiday spirit. The celebration also included a dramatization titled “Where it all began,” which told the story of Jesus’ birth from an educational and emotional perspective, capturing the essence of Christmas as a time of spiritual renewal and family unity.
The evening concluded with a final performance by the Dominican National Children’s Choir, who, accompanied by drums and orchestra, performed beloved songs like “Niño Pobre” and “Cantar y Amar.” The lighting of the Christmas tree at the National Palace is a cherished tradition that not only celebrates the holiday but also promotes values of humility, peace, and love, bringing together families, officials, and citizens to embrace the spirit of the season.