GFDD Recognized During ASOVEUSA 7^th Anniversary Celebration

As part of its week-long 7th anniversary celebration, the Asociación de Veganos en los Estados Unidos (ASOVEUSA – Association of La Vega Residents in the United States) brought the fiery flash and flare of the La Vega Carnival to a cool November night in Manhattan’s Washington Heights.

Supported by GFDD and held at the headquarters of the Dominican Commission of Culture in the United States, the event showcased ornate masks and costumes used in
the famed La Vega Carnival and held a musical performance by Lizbelkis Santana.

Following Santana’s performance, GFDD was recognized for its collaborative role in ASOVEUSA events and outreach throughout the year. Presented with an honorary plaque by ASOVEUSA president and vice president, respectively, Virgen Meléndez and Alberto Marte, Yamile Eusebio Paulino on
behalf of GFDD/Funglode underlined the Foundations’ commitment to promoting Dominican culture.

In accepting the award, Eusebio Paulino stated: “We thank the ASOVEUSA for the hard work that it has done these past seven years; years in which its members have tirelessly labored to disseminate the contributions of La Vega residents to Dominican culture, and receive this recognition with a promise to continue supporting ASOVEUSA’s
work.”

Following GFDD’s recognition, Pedro Julio Holguín, member of the ASOVEUSA Advisory Committee, detailed the longstanding significance and current traditions in the La Vega Carnival. In fact, geological evidence found near La Vega proves that Carnival has been celebrated in the Dominican Republic since 1510. Afterwards, Sergio Fernández, of the ASOVEUSA Organizing Committee invited all attendees to take in the sights and enjoy the rest of the
evening.

About Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD):
The Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), sister organization of FUNGLODE in the United States is a non-partisan and non-profit organization dedicated to promote the collaboration among organizations in the United States and the Dominican Republic in order to conduct research, enhance public debate, design public policy, propose strategies and provide
training to facilitate change in crucial areas of the social, economic and democratic development of the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean and Latin America.