Italian Embassy celebrates Italy’s National Day

Santo Domingo.- As part of its long-standing tradition, the Italian Embassy in the Dominican Republic marked the 76th anniversary of Italy’s National Day with a gathering at the Monument to Fray Antonio de Montesinos in the Colonial City, led by Italian Ambassador Stefano Queirolo Palmas.

Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs, Ito Bisono, joined the ambassador for the formal proceedings, expressing gratitude to Italy and its ambassadors for their historical attention and significant contributions to the country.

The event evoked the vibrant festivals of Italian towns, featuring dance music, children’s entertainment, culinary delights, crafts, and commerce. Besides celebrating Italy’s National Day, it also commemorated the 126 years of bilateral relations between the two countries.

In his keynote address, Ambassador Queirolo Palmas praised the remarkable contributions of the Dominican community in Italy across various sectors, including the economy, healthcare, and small and medium-sized enterprises. He emphasized the deep ties between Italians living in the Dominican Republic and their significant contributions to the national economy, both as residents and tourists.

Highlighting Italian presence in sectors such as tourism, air transport, cruises, gastronomy, agriculture, and construction, the ambassador noted that annual investments exceeding $250 million are made in the Dominican economy through remittances and charitable activities.

Queirolo Palmas also announced Italy’s participation as a reference exhibitor at the upcoming Architecture Biennial in Santo Domingo in November.

Reflecting on President Luis Abinader’s recent visit to Italy, where discussions on trade, mobility, security, and community affairs took place, the ambassador emphasized the positive momentum of the Dominican Republic, characterized by economic and social stability and promising growth prospects.

The celebration marked the commencement of national festivities, including two Italian popular festivals in Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata on July 13, engaging diplomats, government officials, and special guests. Attendees, including Italian families and their descendants, enjoyed cultural exchanges, children’s entertainment, and musical performances, fostering a deeper appreciation of Italian culture among Dominicans and foreign residents alike.