CARIBBEAN CONNECTIONS DOMINICANS IN SOUTH FLORIDA
KEEP ISLAND NATION'S HERITAGE CLOSE TO THEIR HEARTS
By Kenneth D. MacHarg
Ask anyone about their heritage, and they will quickly come up with recollections of
food, music, dance, history and contributions to the world from their fellow countrymen.
Eventually, however, they will most likely conclude that what is most important for them
is pride in their country of origin or that of their ancestors.
Local residents with roots in the Dominican Republic are no exception. Just ask Noe
Rodriguez of Fort Lauderdale who is a student at Broward Community College.
“We’re from the Caribbean, so we share things like our music and our food with Cuba
and Puerto Rico,” Rodriquez said. “But most of all, we express our pride.”
“Even though I was born in New York, not the Dominican Republic, I have a good share
of pride,” he said. “My parents are from the Dominican Republic and they have shared
their heritage with me. It becomes a part of you.”
It’s that kind of nationalistic pride that has led Marilyn Perez of Coconut Creek to begin a
dance group for teenagers from her native country who now live in south Florida.
“Merengue is our national dance, it’s our music, our soul,” she said, describing the style
of dancing and music that she uses with the group. “It represents our culture and is part of
our culture.”
“It is great to be able to express and promote your culture,” she explained. “Dancing
offers a visual and expressive way to be proud of our culture.”
Perez’s group has been practicing for shows that they will be presenting during upcoming
celebrations of the Dominican Republic’s Independence Day.
The country’s major holiday is celebrated on February 27, and in south Florida, will
involve a number of parties, festivals and the launching of a new book, Patrimonio
Dominicano (Dominican Heritage) by Architect Cesar Ivan Feris who will travel to
Miami for a ceremony on February 24.
The 2000 census showed that there were 10,498 p