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Spanish
Last Friday the 17th of February, Casa de Campo’s francophiles, as well as selected members of the press and other Casa de Campo VIP’s were invited to the launch of the “Semana de Francia” (French week), which will take place from the 22nd to the 25th of March.
Hosted at Casa de Campo’s newly renovated Flamboyan conference center, the launch of the Semana de Francia familiarized the French members of the Casa de Campo community, as well as the Casa de Campo “movers and shakers” as to what exactly the Semana de Francia will involve.
Thankfully the information was transmitted in Spanish (rather than French), so here we are able to bring you a brief rundown on all the interesting events and activities taking place during the “Semana de Francia” celebration.
Semana de Francia: March 22nd – 25th 2012
What is it?
The Semana de Francia is a collective promotional event, created by the Dominican-French chamber of commerce in conjunction with Casa de Campo and Altos de Chavón, which over 3 days will bring together visitors from France and the Dominican Republic to enjoy and experience a variety of activities, centered around the French culture, products, technologies and of course food!
“With the Semana de Francia we plan on transforming Altos de Chavón into a petit village francais for one week every year.” —- Claudio Silvestri
Altos de Chavón will be converted into a French village with French shops, restaurants, street performers with numerous events, activities and expositions.
Why?
As well as being a fun and interesting activity for Casa de Campo villa owners, residents and visitors, the Semana de Francia also aims to further promote business between France and the Dominican Republic by showcasing the Dominican Republic’s arket potential to French companies and promote French and Dominican products.
Altos de Chavón – a French village
The artist’s village of Altos de Chavón will be transformed by the addition of:
• An “Autoferia” car show – with French brand cars such as Peugot
• A gastronomic fair – with the first ever Carrefour (large French supermarket chain) in the Dominican Republic as well as stands and stalls with well know French produce
• A technological fair – showcasing the latest French technology advances
• Art exhibits – with the participation of French abstract-impressionist artist Michael Bizet, Casa de Campo villa owner and French artist Jean-Pierre Frey and the Emilio Robba art studios
Schedule
Thursday 22nd of March
6:30pm: Inauguration ceremony on the Altos de Chavón main plaza
7:30pm: Opening cocktail on the Altos de Chavón main plaza
9:00pm: Live music with Rene Coll’s big band from France – also on the Altos de Chavón main plazaFriday 23rd of March: Business Forum
An opportunity for French, Dominican and European business people to come together to exchange ideas and knowledge.
More than 200 attendees are expected.
8am – 12:30pm: Series of speeches on Dominican, French and Haitian business topics
1:00pm: Lunch at La Caña Restaurant and Lounge by Il Circo in the Casa de Campo hotel
3pm – 6pm: Afternoon activities including group workshops
6:15pm: Closing cocktail of the business forumSaturday 24th of March
8:00am: Golf tournament “Copa Foro Empresarial Franco-Dominicano” on the Teeth of the Dog
2:00pm: Golf lunch and prize-giving
8:00pm: Grand gala of French music in the Altos de Chavón amphitheater with Rene Coll (from Paris) and French-Dominican jazz singer Cyrille Aimee (from New York) as well as invited Dominican artists and French Can-Can performers under the direction of Chiqui Haddad.Sunday 25th of March
• Golf tournament on the Dye ForeAdditional activities taking place during these days include:
• the French village in Altos de Chavón
• the “Semana de Francia” polo tournament in honor of of Claude Terrail, owner of legendary French restaurant, La Tour D’Argent in Paris – schedule to be confirmed
• “bi-national” tennis tournament – played between the ambassadors of different countries, to take place on Saturday and Sunday
• a “pétanque” tournament (traditional French game similar to boules), to take place on Saturday and Sunday
• a gala dinner at the La PiazzettaInterested Casa de Campo villa owners will be able to participate in most of the Semana de Francia activities – some have a cost, but others (such as the French village and musical performances) are completely free.
We will be publishing more information soon!