The Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano celebrated the 243rd anniversary of the Independence of the United States with an agenda of recreational and cultural activities for the whole family at its main campus on Lincoln Avenue.

The opening ceremony of this celebration was led by the Ambassador of the United States in Santo Domingo, Robin Bernstein, and the President of the Board of Directors of the ICDA, Darys Estrella.

Ms. Estrella welcomed and thanked the presence of the community of students, parents, faculty, staff, administrators and the general public for attending this event, indicating that “el Domínico Americano has contributed to bring together the cultures of the Dominican Republic and the United States, opening the door through education so that thousands and thousands of Dominicans can access the vast world of opportunities that the English-speaking culture offers. Breaking the barriers of access to English as a second language education for thousands of Dominicans”.

During her speech, Ambassador Bernstein expressed that “the many efforts of the U.S. Embassy in education show our commitment to the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano and the Dominican Republic. Together we can achieve a better future for both countries and our shared destiny.”

The activity was also attended by Pedro Martinez, former Major League Baseball pitcher, three-time Cy Young winner and member of the Hall of Fame since 2015.

As part of the attractions, the Cooperstown Hall of Fame’s Baseball exhibit was formally opened to promote the presence and participation of Latin American players in Major League Baseball and the importance of baseball as a national sport in the United States and its international impact. The exhibit is comprised of 10 mobile panels and will be open to the public at the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano throughout the month of July. Subsequently, the exhibit will travel to the five stadiums in the country that host professional baseball teams: Francisco Micheli Stadium, La Romana; Julian Javier Stadium, San Francisco de Macoris; Tetelo Vargas Stadium, San Pedro de Macoris and Cibao Stadium in the city of Santiago, to return to Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium in Santo Domingo.

The musical presentation was in charge of the American jazz saxophonist, David Murray, who delighted all those present.

On their part, the students of the Domínico Americano School performed a hip hop choreography, based on this well-known artistic movement originated in the South Bronx and Harlem, in New York City.

The activity closed with a colorful fireworks show for the enjoyment of all attendees.

The Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA), was founded on January 26, 1947 by a group of Dominicans and North Americans residing in the country with the purpose of strengthening the friendship and cultural ties between the people of the United States of America and the Dominican Republic. It is a pioneer in the teaching of the language and culture of the United States, promoting knowledge and cooperation between both nations.