The support policy towards the development of cultural manifestations in the Dominican Republic covers all of the forms for the expression of art and spirit. Hence, for years, at beginnings of January, a classical music concert is sponsored complemented by the composing of national and Latin American authors to take place in the Basilica Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia. This Basilica was built by French architects leaded by André Dunoyer de Segonzac, beginnings of the 60’s. In 2001 the bank published the deluxe edition of a book authored by Segonzac which illustrates the structure as well as the décor and vitreous work of the edifice. The recognition with the legacy of La Altagracia has also signified the acquisition and latter donation of the well-known image of the Virgin.

Another national culture manifestation that is broadly recognized by Banco Popular is the celebration of carnivals in cities such as La Vega, Bonao and Santiago de los Caballeros that count on the bank’s uninterrupted collaboration. Precisely in the city of La Vega where the bank’s employees and administrative personnel voluntarily partake in a group of Diablos Cojuelos that parade all dressed-up during February’s Sundays around the city. Close bonds of collaboration are maintained with the organizations responsible for the security of these venues of great fervor and popular partaking.

In the field of visual arts, the bank owns an extensive collection of artwork of Dominican authorship and, seeking for a way for this to reach a higher number of people, in 2001, a book compiling many of our main artworks. This collection has resulted to be product of a policy of acquisition and support to national creativity.

The bank contributes also with the printings and diffusion of numerous written works, some of the literary line while others are of informational gender. To this last group correspond, to mention some, both volumes of the History of Currency in the Dominican Republic, at the hand of Miguel Estrella and Isaac Rudman. In the first group however, we can quote the reediting of the works of Virgilio Diaz Grullón- new book.

Charitable concerts

Faithful to this noble tradition and certainly a part of its annual cultural agenda, Banco Popular supports the festivities of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia by celebrating its annual Concierto Altagraciano in the Higuey Basilica. The population of Higuey in general, clients and associates of Banco Popular indulge a great spectacle with the performance of the National Symphonic Orchestra and other classic composers.

In that same manner, in 2004, Banco Popular sponsored a fund-raising gala concert featuring the great Plácido Domingo, with the goal of helping the habitants of all the Northeastern region that were victims of the deluges that affected the region in 2003 and all the funds raised were also destined to works of social welfare in Nagua, Navarrete and Santiago de los Caballeros.

Preservation of Carnival traditions

As part of its commitment towards preserving the primordial events of Dominican culture and folklore, Banco Popular sponsors the celebration of the Dominican carnival in several of the country’s regions, emphasizing on the Carnaval Vegano which includes a group of Diablos Cojuelos conformed by the bank’s staff and executive personnel from all over the country, whom voluntarily parade during February’s Sundays in this way keeping alive a tradition that birthed circa the 17th Century. Banco Popular’s profound integration to this tradition was due, in great manner, to Mr. Silvano Peguero, an employee of the first branch office opened in La Vega and whom for the past 18 years has taken charge of the design and elaboration of costumes for the parade as alongside the awakening of his colleagues’ interest for this tradition. Mr. Peguero Pichardo passed on last December, this meaning the loss of a great ally and friend not just to the Bank and  our group Los Truenos but to La Vega’s carnival and other cultural celebrations.

The Miracle of Christmas

With the purpose of supporting Christmas spirit, it is a custom in our institution to produce every year the play The Miracle of Christmas, featuring a cast of over 70 people, among them singers and performers all of them members of the bank’s quire as well as theatre groups.

These groups are formed by employees of Grupo Popular whom dedicate part of their free time to the progression of their artistic abilities.