Santiago cultural initiatives face scrutiny and community engagement

The Santiago de los Caballeros municipal administration is facing calls for greater transparency regarding the management of the Santiago Carnival. Investigations into the 2025 and 2026 editions have raised questions concerning the use of public funds, the commercialization of the festivities, and the lack of a consolidated financial balance sheet. Estimates previously suggested investments between RD$40 million and RD$42 million, leading to debates over the accountability of Mayor Ulises Rodríguez and the selection process for the carnival's executive direction.

In a separate cultural development, the Santiago City Hall hosted the Regional Meeting of Living Community Culture for the North and Northwest Cibao. Organized by the Cofradía Cultural Foundation, the event brought together artists, artisans, and community representatives to strengthen cooperation and preserve Dominican cultural heritage. The meeting serves as a precursor to the First National Congress of Living Community Culture, scheduled for December 2026.