Director of Productions and Entertainment
WHAT IS THE GOAL IN CREATING A HOLIDAY SPACE AT CASA DE CAMPO?
Altos de Chavón is the ideal place to celebrate Christmas at Casa de Campo: its architectonical beauty and natural views are the best scenario for our decorations. In addition, as a cultural center we strive for tourists and guests who visit us to enjoy a representation of the best of Dominican Christmas. We received the support of the Ministry of Culture in order to present, at our classic lighting ceremony, the best of the cultural landscape of the Dominican Republic. This year we have the presence of the Juan Pablo Duarte Symphony Orchestra of the National Conservatory of Music, directed by Maestro José Luis Ureña.
HOW MANY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND WHAT TYPE DO YOU PLACE EACH YEAR AT CHAVON?
Every year we innovate on decorations and try to integrate new spaces for Christmas lights and decorations. This year we are installing more than 30,000 lights, including new waterfalls for the church, which in turn will decorate the entire Chavón Square. Santa Claus also has a new location with more space for his Holiday House at Altos de Chavón where the whole family will have the opportunity to meet and greet him.
DO YOU FOLLOW A CONCEPT FOR THE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS OR USE ANY RECYCLED MATERIALS?
We try to make sure our holiday decorations boost Altos de Chavon’s beauty while keeping its essence. We use warm colors, integrating typical Dominican elements such as a nativity scene made with Charamicos (artisan decorations made with flexible wood), and yes, we effectively reuse elements to create new decorations. For example, we took a tree frame that we no longer use and redecorate it with lights and Charamico ornaments.
WHAT NEW AND INTERESTING ELEMENTS WILL THE CHRISTMAS SEASON HAVE IN ALTOS DE CHAVON THIS YEAR, BOTH DECORATION AND ENTERTAINMENT-WISE?
We have many new things! Not only for decorations but for our holiday program full of entertaining activities for the whole family. We will present a new and improved Santa’s House, the Archaeological Museum will host an exhibition and sale of nativity scenes carved by hand by the famous Dominican craftsmen Roosevelt Méndez and Pedro Méndez, and La Galería will host a bazaar with works made by students, artists in residence and graduates of the School of Design that our guests can acquire at incredible prices. The entertainment agenda will range from performances by Jazz bands, nights for rockers, and magic shows for children, to the mega concert-party with Steve Aoki and Sech in the Amphitheater.
