When Dominicans go abroad, they show, through gastronomy, a part of the Creole culture. An example of this is the Florida Dominican Gastronomic Festival.
This is an activity that has been held since 2007 as part of the celebrations on the occasion of National Independence, being the most popular and well-known activity, which gathers not only Dominicans in the diaspora, but also Latinos and Americans who come with their families. enjoy the colors and flavors of this cuisine, as well as Dominican music and culture in general.
This is explained by its organizer, Cristina García, who assures that the event has evolved and become known with the support of community leaders and Latin American media.
“Since its inception at JC in Hollywood, it has been the event where Dominican national holidays converge, tasting dishes from renowned Dominican chefs and promoting tourism in the Dominican Republic,” says Garcia.
She also explains that the idea of this festival came from Marcio Veloz Joa, her late husband, to promote Dominican culture in Florida. “Because in this city there was no space for Dominicans to celebrate the National Independence of the Dominican Republic,” she explains.
Support and promotion
Cristina García also points out that this event recognizes the efforts of restaurants to participate and promote our typical dishes.
She adds that the main objective is “for the whole world to know our gastronomic culture, so that as a country we can position ourselves as a gastronomic destination, in addition to creating a bond with all Dominicans and families so that they can always feel proud.” to be Dominicans.
He explained that the event at its beginning hosted 300 people and over the years it became massive, popular and expected. “It’s become a tradition that draws more than 1,500 people,” he said.
Florida’s Dominican Gastronomy Festival also includes artistic presentations and cultural stops. 25 restaurants participate in this edition.
Prices
This space also recognizes those chefs who have raised Dominican gastronomy to international levels with creativity and exquisite taste. Chefs Tita, Rosana Ovalles and Danny participated in the event.
The scenarios
In these 15 years, this culinary festival has had key venues such as the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the Jaycees Room in Hollywood and Ana G. Mendez University in Miami. In every location, they get great support from the Hispanic community, not only from the city of Miami, but from neighboring cities as well,” he said.
