Photo courtesy Yvonne Francisco
The Dominican Flag Raising held on March 21, 2026, at Lowell City Hall became a vibrant display of identity and national pride, getting dozens of Dominican residents dancing to the rhythm of merengue.
The event brought together local authorities and invited guests from other cities, who joined the community in an afternoon filled with culture and tradition.
The program began with an invocation and blessing offered by Father Cecilio Hernández.
The event featured artistic performances such as El Típico and Milenio with Letty and her dance group, as well as a colorful carnival presentation by Cofradía Cultural. Musical performances by guest artists including Kirliana Ramos and El Potro were also highlights, along with the moving rendition of the national anthems, where trumpeter Analía Forchue De Los Santos delivered a special performance.
Photo courtesy Yvonne Francisco
During the official ceremony, Mayor Erik Gitschier presented a proclamation to the organization, recognizing Dominican Flag Raising Day and highlighting the tireless work of Dominican residents in Lowell, as well as their contributions to the city’s social, economic, and cultural development.
Also in attendance was Vanna Howard, recently elected the first Cambodian-American state senator in the country.
Present as well was the Dominican Consul in Boston, Engineer Antonio Almonte, who expressed his pleasure in visiting the city of Lowell. He praised the achievements of the Dominicans honored at the event and emphasized the significance of these recognitions. Almonte highlighted the work of notable figures present, including State Representative Frank Moran, Senator Pavel Payano, and media personality Santiago Matías.
Almonte also expressed his gratitude to the event organizers and noted that this celebration reflects the strong sense of Dominican identity within the diaspora, which is important to the Dominican government, “especially as we continue to see growing activities and expressions of national pride among Dominicans wherever they may be.”
As part of the event, several individuals were recognized for their contributions, both from the city of Lowell and from other communities.
Among the local honorees were Sixto DeJesus and Amada Gregory, both former city council candidates and community leaders; Pamela Blanco, businesswoman and community leader; Ana González, decorator; Gary De Los Santos, businessman; Félix Marte, merchant; Esther Franco, entrepreneur; as well as Marianela Santana, seamstress and community member; Dominga Paulino, business owner; and Rolando Viñas, merchant.
Additionally, distinguished guests from other cities were recognized, including Lairon Braicontil, singer from Lawrence; Analía Forchue De Los Santos, trumpeter; Kirliana Celiné Días, singer from Connecticut; Ysaia Hernández, representing a baseball academy in Providence; Juan Jae Solano (Jaykova), from Atlantic City, New Jersey; Dariza Guerrero, from Salem; and Benjamin Isaías Guzmán and Eduardo Ureña, both from Lawrence. Santiago Matías, a prominent broadcaster and producer, was also recognized. A special recognition was presented to State Representative Frank A. Moran.
One of the main highlights of the event was its traditional Dominican-style décor, inspired by rural life and the countryside, evoking the cultural roots of the island.
Attendees enjoyed coffee brewed through a cloth strainer, a traditional method from the Dominican countryside.
The décor was designed by Elizabeth González, whose work added an authentic and nostalgic touch to the celebration. Guests also enjoyed a variety of traditional Dominican appetizers, further enhancing the cultural experience.
The president of the Dominican Flag Raising Organization, Fela Espinal, expressed her gratitude to attendees, as well as to the organizers, volunteers, and collaborators, including community leaders and representatives from various organizations who made this meaningful event possible.
(This article was originally published in Spanish by Lowell Corazon Latino)
Photo courtesy Yvonne Francisco
