The CAYE Festival returns with its second edition on October 18 and 19.
The second edition of the CAYE Festival returns to Ciudad Nueva on October 18 and 19 with the commitment to generating collective memory and strengthening Dominican creative identity .
The event, led by Venus Patricia Díaz and Omar García , better known as Angurria , aims to transform Ciudad Nueva into Santo Domingo's first Creative District and turn the Caye Festival into a platform that promotes the country's cultural and social development.
The program will include children's activities , stage performances, dance and theater showcases, local cuisine , guided tours, and live music . Each block will function as an open stage, with simultaneous performances that will attract both local residents and those who come specifically for the event.
"In 2020, Angurria and I thought about a project that would have an impact on communities , on public spaces, in a way that is much more constructive than something ephemeral," Venus comments during a visit to Diario Libre .
Under that premise, he said Caye emerged so that art could be a bridge to impact these communities. And Ciudad Nueva ends up being the ideal location for everything it has historically meant.
"It's a space next to the Colonial Zone , which historically is the first sector outside the city walls of Santo Domingo, and the birthplace of great historical figures who lived there, such as the musician Luis Díaz and the writer Pedro Mir, people who have been role models for us in various fields, both music and literature. And obviously, the entire architectural heritage of this sector," the creative adds.
The news
- Among this year's innovations are alliances and collaborations with various artists , collectives , and creative leaders, both from the sector and the city of Santo Domingo.
Advertising agencies, theater groups , and musical artists will be a bridge to showcase the many emerging artists in different fields. Visual artist Amaya Salazar is one of the guests.
Another new feature is the Neighborhood Market , with offerings from the community members themselves.
"We're very interested in the people who live in Ciudad Nueva being the people who celebrate talent , who are the protagonists of this. And we have a craft and product market. They've received a series of workshops from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Spanish Cultural Center , so they can strengthen their business structures," he adds.
Urban art
Will urban art be present? " Of course. I would tell you that everything about the street itself, the entire graphic system of Caye, is designed to be a visual celebration . One of the things that people tell us the most is that the graphic line is very beautiful. And I feel that the entire space of the festival is made to be immersive. That you arrive at Ciudad Nueva and feel that you are in a space that invites you to breathe, to feel, to really engage with what art is and with everything that is this celebration of culture," highlights Venus Díaz about the creative structure of the event.
Within the Live Art area, 10 artists will be painting a series of pieces live based on a manifesto they have created since the festival.
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The festival also features partnerships with artistic collectives , advertising agencies, and theater groups that will serve as platforms for emerging artists . Guests include visual artist Amaya Salazar , who will present special installations .
Angurria : urban art with a purpose
As the festival's creative director , Angurria will play a key role in this edition. Although he won't be painting directly, he will serve as a mentor to guide young people and families interested in urban art .
Angurria believes that muralism not only beautifies spaces, but also transforms social behavior and can become a worthy profession . "I never imagined I'd make a living painting murals . Today I can say it's possible, and I want young people to see it as a real opportunity," he said.
- The idea is that art enthusiasts who attend can feel truly supported , "and made part of something of their own ."
Venus said that you don't always have an Angurria by your side to tell you how to improve a technique, how to hold a spray can or how to hold a paintbrush to improve a specific technique .
"Often, people are interested but don't have anyone to guide them. And I think Angurria will be there to mentor and support the processes of many people who are interested. And we want it to feel like a very democratic and intimate process," the festival leader emphasizes.
"It's very important to make people understand that there are possibilities for having a quality of life with your talent ," Venus Díaz emphasizes.
Angurria has popularized the murals of Women in Rollers and other works celebrating Creole everyday life that have been captured in the country and abroad.
A free festival for everyoneAdmission to the CAYE Festival is free, but registration is required through festivalcalle.com . In its first edition, more than 12,000 people participated, and the number is expected to exceed this figure in 2025.
- The event will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., allowing for residents' rest time. The central space will be on José Gabriel García Street , between El Número Street and Pina Street, leading to Cervantes Park , which will serve as the meeting point.
"We want Ciudad Nueva to celebrate its talent and for everyone to be able to recognize ourselves in this project . CAYE is a way to honor our city, our people, and the creative potential that unites us," Díaz concludes.
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