Santo Domingo Kicks Off 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games with Musical Fest and Tribute to Venezuela

Santo Domingo ignited the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games with a spectacular opening ceremony that blended pulsating music with a heartfelt tribute to Venezuela. Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino took center stage as the primary host for the event, which officially commenced Friday at the Féliz Sánchez Olympic Stadium. The stadium buzzed with excitement as over 6,000 athletes from 37 nations paraded, signaling the start of competitions across 40 sports and 57 disciplines.

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The joy of this night does not make us forget the pain of our brothers. In the name of all the peoples represented here, we want to express our solidarity and affection to the people of Venezuela. Venezuela, we love you!

The vibrant festivities included a dazzling drone display that painted the Dominican flag in the sky and energetic performances by merengue dancers, a rhythm synonymous with the host nation. Amidst the celebration, a solemn moment honored the people of Venezuela, who are grappling with the aftermath of earthquakes on June 24 that claimed nearly 5,400 lives. "The joy of this night does not make us forget the pain of our brothers. In the name of all the peoples represented here, we want to express our solidarity and affection to the people of Venezuela. Venezuela, we love you!" declared José Monegro, president of the Organizing Committee, during the inauguration.

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Seeing this Olympic Stadium is more than an emotion, it's like something from another planet.

Despite the somber acknowledgment of Venezuela's plight, the celebratory atmosphere remained undimmed, with spectators in the stands watching with elation. "Seeing this Olympic Stadium is more than an emotion, it's like something from another planet," shared Sandy Valdez, a 55-year-old public employee attending with his daughter. The crowd's biggest ovation was reserved for Marileidy Paulino, the world record holder in the 400 meters, as she led her country's delegation. Paulino, nicknamed the "Dominican Gazelle," expressed her anticipation for the Games, which run from July 24 to August 8, describing them as "like an Olympic Games at home."

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like an Olympic Games at home.

Paulino, a gold medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics and a silver medalist at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships with the third-fastest women's 400m time in history (47.98 seconds), aims to break her personal best during this season. The Games, however, will notably miss Venezuelan triple jumper Yulimar Rojas, whose participation has not been officially confirmed, according to sources close to the athlete. Organizers confirmed the attendance of other Olympic and Pan American champions, including Venezuelans Julio Mayora and Keydomar Vallenilla, alongside Dominican athletes Christian Pinales, Junior Alcántara, and Alexander Ogando. Luisin Mejía, president of Centro Caribe Sports, highlighted the unique anticipation generated by Paulino's presence, stating, "It is a dream for Dominicans to see their Marileidy run on their own soil." Spectators like Ramona Lantigua, a 52-year-old accountant, echoed this sentiment, calling Paulino an " orgullo" (pride) and expressing hopes to "see her triumph, win the gold medal as she did recently."

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It is a dream for Dominicans to see their Marileidy run on their own soil.