After an eight-year pause, the Feria Nacional de Artesanía (FENART) has returned to Santo Domingo, bringing the vibrant world of Dominican craftsmanship back to the public eye. From December 12 to 14, Plaza España in the historic Ciudad Colonial became a hub of creativity, culture, and tradition as artisans from across the country showcased their skills.
The opening ceremony was led by Roberto Ángel Salcedo, Minister of Culture, who has made the “orange economy”—creative industries—a central focus of his administration. “This return of the fair is an important step in energizing our cultural industries and recognizing the value of artisanal work,” Salcedo said. “Craftsmanship is a living expression of our identity and a key part of the creative economy we are fostering.”
Organized by the Viceministry of Cultural Industries, under the leadership of Alicia Baroni, FENART 2025 brought together 60 artisans from diverse regions of the Dominican Republic. This year’s edition highlights weaving with natural fibers, a traditional craft that embodies the history, skill, and creativity of Dominican artisans, and is celebrated under the theme “Hands That Tell Stories.”
A Multi-Sensory Celebration
The fair offered far more than a display of craftsmanship. Visitors enjoyed live demonstrations in lapidary, pottery, jewelry making, ceramics, basketry, coconut shell work, fiber weaving, leatherwork, and horn crafts, gaining insight into the techniques and stories behind each creation.
Music, theater, traditional dance, and family-oriented activities complemented the exhibitions, allowing attendees to experience Dominican culture in its many forms. Workshops aimed at both the general public and aspiring cultural entrepreneurs offered opportunities to learn, engage, and bring these skills home.
The fair also included artisanal gastronomy, highlighting the culinary creativity of the country and rounding out the experience as a celebration of Dominican cultural expression in all its dimensions.
Honoring Craft and Community
FENART 2025 serves as more than a marketplace—it is a platform to honor artisans, strengthen their visibility, and preserve traditional techniques that are an integral part of the nation’s cultural heritage. It is a reminder that craftsmanship is both an economic resource and a vital form of cultural storytelling, connecting generations and communities through hands-on artistry.
With free admission and three days of programming, the event invited all Dominicans and visitors to celebrate the creativity, resilience, and identity of the country’s artisans—a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of Dominican craft.
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