Dominican Republic's National Artisanal Fair Returns After 8 Years

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – The National Artisanal Fair (Fenart) made its highly anticipated return to the Dominican cultural calendar Thursday, marking its first appearance in eight years. The three-day event, running through Dec. 14, is taking place in the historic Plaza España of the Colonial City.

Culture Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo led the inaugural ceremony, highlighting the "orange economy" – or creative economy – as a cornerstone of his administration's agenda.

“This return of the fair marks an important step in revitalizing our cultural industries and recognizing the value of artisanal work,” Salcedo stated during the opening. “Craftsmanship is a living expression of our identity and an essential component of the creative economy we are promoting.”

Organized by the Vice Ministry of Cultural Industries, under the direction of Alicia Baroni, Fenart 2025 brings together 60 artisans from various regions across the country. This year's fair is dedicated to natural fiber weaving, an emblematic technique in Dominican craftsmanship, and operates under the slogan "Hands that tell stories."

The fair's program includes a diverse range of activities, from artistic presentations featuring theater, music, and traditional dances to children's activities designed to connect the public with the nation's cultural expressions.

Throughout the event, visitors can observe live demonstrations of traditional techniques such as lapidary, pottery, goldsmithing, ceramics, basket weaving, coconut shell work, natural fiber weaving, saddlery, and horn craftsmanship.

Creative and training workshops will also be offered, catering to both the general public and cultural entrepreneurs.

In addition to the cultural showcases, attendees can enjoy a display of artisanal gastronomy, which complements the experience and underscores the event's multidisciplinary nature.

Fenart 2025 offers free admission to the public for all three days. Organizers aim for the event to be a platform for celebrating Dominican creativity, enhancing the visibility of artisans, and promoting the preservation of traditional techniques integral to the country's cultural heritage.