The municipality of Cotuí, the capital of Sánchez Ramírez Province in the Cibao in the central region of the Dominican Republic, one of the oldest cities in the New World, renowned as a hub for inland eco - tourism, agriculture for the production of cacao and rice, as well as mining in Pueblo Viejo, highlighted by nearby attractions like Hatillo Dam, parks, and rivers, along with a quiet urban atmosphere with local churches and a lively central plaza is actively celebrating its cultural heritage by prioritizing sustainability and traditional practices.
This focus aims to protect local identity and enhance community resilience through the responsible management of cultural and natural assets ensuring they serve future generations.
The city recently transformed into a stage of history and environmental awareness during its annual carnival festivities, a celebration that recently was designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Dominican Republic, continuing to distinguish iself from other regional festivities through its deep - rooted connection to local identity and its innovative approach to costume design.
For generations, the local community has managed to maintain the spirit and the essence of its origin as a centre with a rich history founded in 1505, boasting a relevant cultural heritage centred on Afro - Caribbean traditions and indigenous history with a notable cultural expression in its iconic annual carnival, famous for “Los Platanuses”, traditional characters draped in dried banana leaves while adapting to modern social values.
A delegation from the Dominican Association of Tourism Press (Adompretur) played a central role in this year’s coverage, visiting the city and Sánchez Ramírez Province to document the event’s evolution.
As reported by journalist María Mercedes for the Adompretur official website, the press group was able to witness firsthand how the town integrates ancestral figures with a contemporary message.
The presence of these communication professionals underscores the strategic alliance between the press and preservation of Dominican folklore and traditional practices.
The parade featured the iconic “papeluses”, “platanuses”, and “funduses”, characters that define the visual landscape of this carnival.
Unlike the commercialized versions of the festival found elsewhere, the city relies the use of dried plantain leaves, shredded paper and other materials to create elaborate costumes. This resourcefulness serves as testament to the community’s ingenuity, turning discarded materials into artistic expressions that captivate thousands of spectators.
During the visit, Adompretur members engaged with local artisans and cultural leaders to understand the social impact of the celebration. The association highlighted how the carnival functions as a vehicle for social conscience, utilizing recycling as a core element of its aesthetic.
By prioritizing authenticity over mass - produced masks the city and the province have established a sustainable model that protects the environment while honouring the memory of its African and Spanish ancestors.
The economic and touristic potential of the city and the region was also a key point of discussion during the press tour. As the Senate recently approved the law declaring this carnival a national heritage, the role of specialized journalism becomes even more relevant.
Adompretur’s involvement ensures that unique characteristics of Cotuí and Sánchez Ramírez Province reach a global audience, positioning themselves as destinations where culture and eco - tourism meet in perfect harmony. The event concluded with a display of collective pride, reinforcing the idea that tradition can coexist with innovation.
Key elements of the celebration of cultural heritage initiative include:
• Cultural Preservation: Highlighting local traditions, history, and customs to foster community pride and identity.
• Sustainability Focus: Ensuring that community development is intertwined with environmental and economic resilience.
• Local Engagement: Involving the community in promoting and preserving their own cultural practices.
• Approach: This approach aligns with broader regional trends, such as the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s focus on “Caribbean Cultural Mosaic,” which highlights distinct traditional elements in various destinations.
For the members of the press and the local participants, the Cotuí carnival and tradition practices represent a living museum of Dominican creativity. Through the lens of sustainability and the support of organizations like Adompretur, this cultural legacy is set to inspire future generations while maintaining the simplicity that makes it truly extraordinary.
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