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By: José Zabala
n” “nNew York.– The sixth edition of the Dominican Taste Festival 2026, considered one of the most important cultural and gastronomic events of the Dominican diaspora in the United States, paid tribute to prominent community leader Víctor Dumé, executive director of the Rincón Foundation, for his career of service, his commitment to the development of the Samaná province, and his ongoing work to strengthen the ties between that province and Dominicans living abroad.
n” “nThe Dominican Taste Festival 2026 will be held on Saturday, June 27th and Sunday, June 28th, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, at Plaza Quisqueya, located at Broadway and Dyckman Street, in the Inwood neighborhood, Upper Manhattan. Merengue artist Kinito Méndez will be the headlining performer.
n” “nThe recognition was presented during the celebration of the third edition of the Tourism Round Table, one of the festival’s main activities, in which government authorities, representatives of the tourism sector, business leaders, community leaders, and members of the diaspora committed to the promotion of the Dominican Republic participated.
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During the event, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson highlighted the career of Víctor Dumé, emphasizing his community leadership, his constant work on behalf of Samaná, and the connection he has managed to maintain between the Dominican diaspora and the communities of that province, contributing to the strengthening of social, educational, and tourism development.
n” “nElida Almonte recognizes the career of Víctor Dumé
n” “nThe general director of the Dominican Taste Festival, Elida Almonte, praised Víctor Dumé’s dedication and commitment to the development of Samaná, noting that his work through the Rincón Foundation represents the spirit of service that the festival seeks to highlight each year.
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n” “nAlmonte expressed that recognizing people who work silently for their communities is part of the festival’s mission, as they constitute examples of leadership, solidarity, and love for the Dominican Republic.
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“More than an honor, it is a commitment”
n” “nUpon receiving the recognition, Víctor Dumé expressed his gratitude for the distinction and assured that this tribute represents a greater commitment to continue working for present and future generations.
n” “n“For me, more than an honor, it is a commitment to participate in the Dominican Taste Festival 2026 and to be able to contribute from the Rincón Foundation, as well as through all the work we do in Las Galeras, Samaná, and at our academy. I feel deeply proud to work alongside our community and to contribute to the development of Samaná,” expressed Dumé.
n” “nThe community leader stated that this recognition also belongs to all the volunteers, collaborators, and citizens who have supported the work of the Rincón Foundation for the benefit of the most needy communities in the province.
n” “nRincón Foundation: educating to transform lives
n” “nVíctor Dumé explained that the mission of the Rincón Foundation has been to create opportunities for children, youth, and families through educational programs, technical training, community activities, and human development projects.
n” “nHe pointed out that the true growth of Samaná must be built from its people.
“Our commitment is to continue sowing hope through education, community work, and social development. When we help a young person prepare, we are building the future of Samaná,” he/she stated.
The diaspora, a strategic ally for Samaná
n” “nFor Dumé, the Dominican Taste Festival represents much more than a gastronomic celebration.
n” “n“The connection with the diaspora is very strong. Today we see gathered the mayor of Samaná, the mayor of Santa Bárbara de Samaná, the provincial governor, deputies, and representatives from different sectors. This shows that there is a joint commitment between the authorities, the business community, community organizations, and our diaspora to continue promoting the development of Samaná.”
n” “nLikewise, he highlighted that Dominicans living abroad continue to be a fundamental piece for the economic and social growth of the Dominican Republic through investments, international promotion, community support, and the sending of remittances.
n” “nA festival that strengthens Dominican identity
n” “nVíctor Dumé expressed his optimism regarding the growth that the Dominican Taste Festival has experienced over the last few years.
n” “n“Thank God, this year the Dominican Taste Festival arrives stronger than ever. I am convinced that the entire community will enjoy an extraordinary weekend, full of culture, gastronomy, music, and Dominican pride. We look forward to seeing you with the whole family to celebrate this great party dedicated to our beloved province of Samaná.”
n” “nHe added that initiatives like this allow new generations born outside the Dominican Republic to know their roots, strengthen their identity, and keep alive the pride of belonging to the Dominican culture.
n” “nBroad institutional support
n” “nDuring the recognition of Víctor Dumé, Teodora Mullix, governor of Samaná, was present, along with mayors from different municipalities of the province; deputies; representatives of the Samaná Tourism Cluster (CTS); business owners, hoteliers, community leaders, media representatives, and numerous personalities linked to the tourism and economic development of the province.
n” “nThe broad participation of authorities and private sector representatives evidenced the joint interest in continuing to promote the sustainable growth of Samaná and strengthening its international projection.
n” “nA bridge between Samaná and the diaspora
n” “nThe recognition granted to Víctor Dumé symbolizes the gratitude to all those community leaders who, from their respective organizations, work daily for the well-being of their communities without losing their connection to the Dominican diaspora.
n” “nWith initiatives such as the Dominican Taste Festival 2026 and the ongoing work of the Rincón Foundation, Samaná continues to project itself as one of the main tourist and cultural destinations in the Dominican Republic, strengthening its international presence and consolidating the joint commitment between authorities, the private sector, and Dominicans living abroad.
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