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ABOUT THE MARIPOSA DR FOUNDATION The mariposa (butterfly) is a universal symbol representing transition, freedom, and peace. In the Dominican Republic, it was the code name given to our nation’s heroines, the Mirabal sisters, who fought for social justice and sacrificed their lives for their country’s democracy and freedom. The Mirabal sisters or Las Mariposas have become not just national heroines, but international symbols. In 1999, the United Nations declared November 25th–the day of their murder–the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women.
OUR MISSION
We create sustainable solutions to end generational poverty by educating girls to become empowered young women and inspiring the international community to join the global movement.
OUR VISION
To create a model that can be adapted around the world for a holistic girls’ education and empowerment program to end generational poverty.
OUR TEAM
ABOUT THE GUIDE
Patricia Thorndike Suriel Editor-in-Chief & Director of Advertising Sales
Cover Photo by Jianca Lazarus
Jessica Lawson Writer & Editor
Tatianna Suriel Writer & Editor
The Responsible Tourism and Investment Guide was created by a group of experts in tourism, business, and community development. Many of us have been here for decades and some are newer to the community of Cabarete, but we all share the common belief that tourism can be a powerful tool in the fight to end poverty. When we launched the first Cabarete Responsible Tourism and Investment Guide in 2011, fewer than 1 in 5 girls made it to secondary school in Cabarete. It has been proven over time that the higher the education level a girl achieves, the more she will eventually earn. Each extra year of primary school will increase her wage potential by 10-20% and an extra year of secondary school will increase it by 15-25%. Even more compelling is the fact that when women earn, they invest more than their male counterparts in their families. The World Food Programme found that women invest 90% of their income into their families while men only invest 30-40%. Reaching out to girls often involves altering the mindsets of community members who see girls as a liability rather than an investment. Sounds challenging, right? It is. Providing girls with leadership skills and including them in the decision-making process is a major tool to spark economic and social change.
Antarah Chopra
CONTRIBUTORS
Copy Editor
Pamela Cuadros
Graphic Designer
Giulia Pinna
All proceeds from advertising sales go directly to support Mariposa education, health, and sports programs for girls living in poverty in Cabarete. We extend a gracious thank you to the local businesses that have supported the Cabarete guide for over a decade. As a complete guide for visitors, long-term residents, and potential investors, this magazine showcases what Cabarete has to offer in a unique way. The Mariposa DR Foundation is a grassroots, community-run organization that provides sustainable and creative solutions to end generational poverty in the Dominican Republic, especially by empowering girls to achieve their full potential. Mariposa is both a US 501(c)3 and Dominican certified non-profit. Invest in a girl, and she will do the rest…
Illustrator
Photographers
Fran Afonso Jianca Lazarus Amy S. Martin Sebastiano Massimino
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: promo@mariposadrfoundation.org GENERAL INQUIRIES: info@mariposadrfoundation.org
SCAN FOR MORE INFO
@MariposaDRFoundation Deadline for submissions and payment for 2025 issue: June 15, 2024. Copyright © 2024 by The Mariposa DR Foundation. All rights reserved.
CONTENTS
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42 16
58
30 WELCOME TO CABARETE 10 THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 16 CABARETE BARRIOS 20 10 YEARS AT THE MARIPOSA CENTER FOR GIRLS 30
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HOW TO CATCH THE PERFECT WAVE 42 DON’T BE A KOOK 101 52 LOCALS MAKING A DIFFERENCE: ROSA MERCEDES 58 CABARETE’S GASTRONOMY 62 SUCCESS STORIES 66
LETTER FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MARIPOSA DR FOUNDATION
All of my dreams have come true in Cabarete. I arrived here in 1992 and never looked back. I met my husband, Freddy, windsurfing on the beach. I got married, watched my children – Nicolas and Tatianna – grow up, and built my family’s home all right here in Cabarete. As a long-time businesswoman, resident, and community leader of this town, the idea for a Responsible Tourism and Investment Guide to Cabarete had been on my mind for many years – I wanted to create a travel guide where all proceeds go directly towards supporting the local community. Watching Cabarete grow from a small town of less than 1,000 residents without a bank, mayor, or even a middle or high school into a bustling international destination over the past 30 years has confirmed what we have always known. That our work at The Mariposa DR Foundation – to educate, empower, and employ adolescent girls – is essential for Cabarete’s sustainable economic growth. This guide could not have been possible without the dedication of our hardworking staff, Jessica Lawson, Tatianna Suriel, Antarah Chopra, and our designer, Pamela Cuadros. I would also like to once again extend a heartfelt “thank you” to all of the local businesses for their continual support of this guide and The Mariposa DR Foundation. One thing I have learned in Cabarete is that small acts of kindness go a long way. Cabarete: there is no place quite like it in the world. Welcome. Bienvenidos.
Sincerely,
Patricia Thorndike Suriel Founder & Executive Director, The Mariposa DR Foundation
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WELCOME TO CABARETE It is no secret that Cabarete is the optimal location for wind and water sports, but the secret sauce may in fact lie in Cabarete’s locals. As some of the friendliest (and funniest) people in the world, Dominicans do not ever hesitate to help – even if it means rescuing a board that has drifted several meters offshore. According to novice kitesurfer, Tatianna Suriel, “Cabarete is one of the few places where I feel extremely safe kitesurfing. I know that kitesurfing by myself really means kitesurfing within a community; the locals in the bay will always have my back (and usually my board too).” We are certain that the security blanket our friendly, tightly knit community has created can be felt by all who enter Cabarete’s blue waters. While it can be easy to get sucked into the daze of the colorful kites, masterful athletes, and impressive big air, it is important to remember that you are walking amidst athletes participating in the most extreme of watersports. You’re no longer on a tennis court or golf course. When the wind is howling or the swell is up, the pristine beaches of Cabarete are everyone’s playground, training field, school, and even office to the luckiest of ones. Whether on land or sea, from kitesurfing, surfing, windsurfing, stand up paddle boarding, or foiling, to horseback riding, hiking, canyoning, or mountain biking, Cabarete has it all!
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CABARETE HAS IT ALL!
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SAY YES TO YOURSELF
SPA TRENDS
Healthy Skin is in
WELLNESS Its more than a moment, its a way of life.
www.andarispa.com 809.8 .9399 info@andarispa.com Located at the Millennium Resort & Spa
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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
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A Nature Lover’s Paradise From Pico Duarte, the highest mountain in the Caribbean, to the country’s lowest point at Lago Enriquillo, you will find gorgeous sandy beaches, lush forests, rolling hills, mangrove-lined lagoons, winding rivers, cascading waterfalls, and so much more. The natural wonders of this beautiful island nation attract more than 7 million visitors annually from all over the world. It’s one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world and a paradise for memorable vacations and island living.
Did you know? HOME TO OVER 300 BIRD SPECIES. NATIONAL BIRD: CIGUA PALMERA OR PALMCHAT
MORE THAN 5,600 PLANT SPECIES. NATIONAL TREE: WEST INDIAN MAHOGANY
80% OF THE WORLD’S HUMPBACK WHALE POPULATION RETURNS TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TO MATE AND GIVE BIRTH EVERY YEAR FROM JANUARY THROUGH MARCH.
NATIONAL FLOWER: BAYAHIBE ROSE
LEADER IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM. APPROXIMATELY 25% OF THE COUNTRY’S LAND AND COASTAL SHORES ARE PRESERVED AS NATIONAL PARKS, RESERVES, AND SANCTUARIES.
Nature and People Thriving Together
From coffee farms high in the mountains to coastal fishing communities, the Dominican Republic’s natural resources support the country’s entire population. Despite the country’s increased efforts towards a sustainable future, the Dominican Republic remains one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change. The livelihood of local people depends on protecting marine ecosystems, maintaining green infrastructure and ensuring clean water so that nature and people can thrive and all of us can continue to visit and marvel at the natural beauty of this island paradise.
IT’S THE ONLY PLACE IN THE WORLD WHERE YOU WILL FIND LARIMAR, A BLUE, PRECIOUS STONE THAT RESEMBLES TURQUOISE.
ONE OF THE WORLD’S FOREMOST EXPORTERS OF ORGANIC, QUALITY AND FAIR TRADE PRODUCE. IT’S THE LARGEST PRODUCER OF ORGANIC COCOA AND ORGANIC BANANAS, REPRESENTING MORE THAN 30% OF THE WORLD’S SUPPLY OF ORGANIC COCOA AND 55% OF ORGANIC BANANAS.
THE CIBAO VALLEY IS ONE OF THE MOST FERTILE IN THE WORLD AND IS HOME TO A VARIETY OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION WHICH BOOSTS THE NATION’S ECONOMY.
5 simple things you can do
• Wear reef safe sunscreen while swimming in the ocean. • Limit single-use plastics and styrofoam – refill your water bottle and bring your own tupperware for takeout or leftovers. • Drink organic coffee to help prevent contamination of the most important watershed in the country. • Leave no trace. Pick up after yourself and the person before you. Help keep our beaches clean and protect marine life. • Spread the word!
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Welcome to our Beach! CONDOS FOR RENT | RENTAL HOUSES
Visit our website. Here you can find out everything about our prices and open dates. Unit B1
Unit C3
Make a reservation by E-Mail or use the form on our Website. PHONE: +1 (849) 876 4533 Unit A5
Unit A4
T
he Cabarete Beach Houses Select of Nanny Estates are an insider tip for all water sports enthusiasts. Kitesurfers will hardly find a more suitable location for their sport in Cabarete. You can set up your kite in their meadow and start immediately. Of course, every guest has his own free storage. But the Cabarete Beach Houses offer much more. The facility is designed in such a way that you can relax perfectly. The gardens and the breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean are also unique.
www.cabarete.de Unit C1
Unit A8
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CABARETE
BARRIOS Cross over from the beach side of town and learn more about the local neighborhoods (barrios) on the other side of the road! The friendly locals and their carefree spirits are the soul of Cabarete, and the reason Cabarete has grown to attract such a diverse crowd of visitors and residents.
La Ciénaga El Callejón El Centro de la Loma 20 | CABARETE GUIDE 2024
Barrio Blanco
El Play de Cabarete
“La Ciénaga” literally translates to “the swamp” and is a low-lying neighborhood built on top of marshlands. In order to build there, swamplands were filled in and the lagoon of Cabarete surrounds the neighborhood, touching many properties and even houses. This is the westernmost neighborhood of Cabarete, with one large entrance, one small back entrance, and a foot trail to access the deepest part of the neighborhood. Adjacent to La Ciénaga’s main entrance is a large colorful mural depicting the empowered girls of Cabarete, which marks the entrance to the Mariposa Center for Girls. Here Dominican and Haitian girls from all of Cabarete’s neighborhoods come together to participate in educational empowerment programs that will allow them to reach their full potential and end the cycle of generational poverty. In La Ciénaga and Cabarete’s other local neighborhoods, the indicators of extreme poverty are clear. If you feel moved to make a difference, join us!
“LA CIÉNAGA” LITERALLY TRANSLATES TO “THE SWAMP” AND IS A LOW-LYING NEIGHBORHOOD BUILT ON TOP OF MARSHLANDS. theguidecabarete.com | 21
The Callejón De La Loma neighborhood is a bustling center of activity near the center of Cabarete, marked by the only stoplight in town. The stoplight was installed at the intersection of Callejón in 2015 because of the pedestrians, cars, and motorcycles racing in and out of the neighborhood at all hours of the day and night. At the front of this neighborhood you can find many expatriates and locals living together, as well as many businesses. The farther back you go the fewer foreigners, but not fewer people! Towards the back of Callejón De La Loma are foothills and a cave system that are a part of a National Park and can be explored through guided tours. The name of the neighborhood comes from these hills, with “loma” translating to hill. “Callejón” is an alley, so this road that connected the hills to the main highway gave the neighborhood the name “alley of the hill.” All of the other streets of this neighborhood branch off of this singular road, and many are conveniently numbered starting with “Calle Uno” (street one) all the way up to “Calle Doce” (street twelve) at the bottom of the hill. 22 | CABARETE GUIDE 2024
“CALLEJÓN” IS AN ALLEY, SO THIS ROAD THAT CONNECTED THE HILLS TO THE MAIN HIGHWAY GAVE THE NEIGHBORHOOD THE NAME “ALLEY OF THE HILL.”
The lagoon of Cabarete also surrounds this neighborhood, as much of the fresh water supplying this body of water comes up from a spring under the hills. In the foothills you can observe rural Dominican life, only minutes from the busy center of town. There, you will find traditional houses and families that depend on agriculture sustained by the nutrient-dense, red clay. It is also great terrain for mountain biking and hiking! theguidecabarete.com | 23
EL CENTRO 24 | CABARETE GUIDE 2024
The houses behind the storefronts in downtown Cabarete in many ways have preserved the way of life of Cabarete before it became an international tourist destination. Fifty years ago this small cluster of houses was Cabarete! The houses are in the traditional Dominican style, made of palm wood and as colorful as the people that live inside them. Here, you will find some of the oldest residents of Cabarete. Next time you are downtown, or in “El Centro,” take a peek behind the stores across the street from the beach!
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Meet Blanco, the man behind the name!
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A few steps outside of downtown Cabarete is the entrance to Barrio Blanco. “Barrio” means neighborhood and this one was named after Mr. Blanco, a man who has lived in this neighborhood for many years. This neighborhood is a small, tightly knit community made up of Dominicans and Haitians living next to each other without many foreign visitors.
EL PLAY
In Dominican Spanish, “El Play” means baseball field. Baseball is central to Dominican culture and to this neighborhood! Heading east out of town, past Janet’s Supermarket, you can easily miss the narrow entrance that only one vehicle can squeeze through at a time. The entrance quickly opens up into a baseball field ringed by houses. During baseball season you can see young men practicing from dawn to dusk, pursuing the dream of being signed by Major League Baseball teams. Some of the families in the neighborhood have been there for generations and are baseball families, dedicated to training these boys and working with scouts from MLB teams across the United States. Although there are two other “Plays” in Cabarete that serve as community spaces, one in Callejón De La Loma and one in La Ciénaga, El Play de Cabarete is for the most serious of players. Cabarete locals that practiced here have been recruited to play for the Yankees, Mets, and Mariners, among others. This is one of the smallest neighborhoods in Cabarete. Tall reeds and standing water just past the baseball field mark the boundaries of Cabarete’s lagoon. Stop by on a Sunday afternoon to watch local youth teams or the recreational women’s softball team play. Watch out for loose balls! theguidecabarete.com | 27
CELEBRATIN AT THE
MARIPOSA CE
NG 10 YEARS NTER FOR GIRLS
In the fall of 2012, The Mariposa DR Foundation purchased an old, run-down hotel property that had been vacant for many years. Over the past ten years, with the support of an incredible local and international community of donors and volunteers, we have made extensive renovations to transform the property into a beautiful sanctuary where local Dominican and Haitian girls come to learn, grow and play. Celebrating ten years since the official opening in 2014, The Mariposa Center for Girls has become an internationally recognized hub for educating and empowering girls to end generational poverty. Each year, we provide an additional 1,000 hours of extracurricular activities, field trips, academic support, and summer camp for 150 underprivileged girls between the ages of 7-18. The first swimming pool in town exclusively for local girls Imagine growing up in a beach town where water sports are an integral part of the community and never learning to swim. The Mariposa DR Foundation has changed that. We opened the first pool in Cabarete that was specifically dedicated to teaching local girls to swim. Now, 10 years later, many Mariposas can be seen out on the water surfing, kiteboarding, standup paddling and enjoying the thrill and natural beauty of our oceans and rivers. A curated display of women’s empowerment through art Every part of the center is thoughtfully curated with art and murals commissioned by local and international artists. The pieces depict notable women throughout history, literary scenes and images conveying the strength, resilience and power of female characters. 32 | CABARETE GUIDE 2024
A FIRST RATE FACILITY THAT INSPIRES ACHIEVEMENT
A gathering space inspiring community to join the movement The wide open space spans 5,000 square meters, featuring 10 classrooms, several outdoor learning spaces, an organic permaculture garden, athletic field, pool, and teaching kitchen where more than 1,000 healthy, plant-based meals and snacks are prepared and served weekly to program participants, staff and volunteers. The campus is also equipped to host large events, meetings, workshops and performances. 8 week immersive learning summer program Our full day summer program is one of the best times of the year. During these programs, Mariposa girls have the opportunity to try new sports – such as paddle boarding, surfing, and kitesurfing – join book clubs, ride bikes throughout the beautiful Cabarete environment, and even adventure on overnight field trips. Summer program allows our girls to be girls in a safe space where they can experiment, venture out of their comfort zones, and discover new passions.
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Jackie Guzman, Julia Alvarez, Irene Gonzalez, and Minu Mirabal at US Embassy sponsored event, 2015
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Vanessa Nadal at opening Gala, 2014
Radmilla Cody, Miss Navajo & Grammy Award Winning Artist, and Mary Kim Titla, American journalist & Indigenous youth advocate
Elizabeth Acevedo, Dominican-American poet & writer
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RESULTS & HIGHLIGHTS SINCE OUR GRAND OPENING
700 SCHOLASTIC SCHOLARSHIPS
5,000 INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS
provided for Mariposa girls to attend local private schools.
welcomed to Cabarete and surrounding areas who have invested over 100,000 hours beautifying our center, as well as a number of local schools and community spaces.
$2,000,000 US DOLLARS IN SCHOLARSHIPS secured for Mariposa graduates to attend top tier higher education institutions across the world.
$1,000,000 US DOLLARS invested back into the local Cabarete economy through hosting volunteer and visitor groups.
20,000 POUNDS OF PLASTIC
removed from local beaches and repurposed into eco-bricks to build sustainable, functional structures.
200,000 POUNDS OF ORGANIC WASTE
prevented from entering landfills through Mariposa and Cabarete Coffee’s compost program.
10,000 BOOKS distributed to local children and public schools. theguidecabarete.com | 35
Grammy Nominated Artists, Nnena Freelon and son Pierce Freelon
Paul Roberts, Owner of Kaiceitos Circus School at Mariposa Inauguration, 2014
Ninafrika, Mariposa Dance Mentor and Artist
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Julia Alvarez, Honorary Chairwoman
Christal Brown, Chair of Middlebury College Dance Department
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HOW TO CATCH THE PERFECT
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Nicole Martinez, Mariposa graduate
“YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE WATER WILL BE BASED ON 6 SITUATIONS: THE WIND, RAIN, TIDE, SWELL, BOARD YOU USE,
AND WHAT YOU DID LAST NIGHT.” - Marcus Bohm, Founder of Master of the Ocean & 321 Take Off Surf School
Whether it is your first time on the water or you’ve been shredding your whole life, we’re all searching for the same thrill... the perfect wave. And it turns out you need more than 20/20 vision to find it! We caught up with some of the local legends that call Playa Encuentro home and they offered thoughtful advice on what you’ll need to catch the perfect wave. Ranging from how to prepare for the water to navigating our beach and popping up on your board, we’ve got your back in Cabarete. Keep your eyes peeled for these faces that regularly surf Encuentro’s waters and make sure to say hello and thank them for the tips! Local surfers encourage you – regardless of level – to say “good morning” or “buenos días” and introduce yourself. If you have questions, be sure to ask and get to know our surf playground. According to Marcus Bohm, Founder of Master of the Ocean & 321 Take Off Surf School, “At any given day, there will be somebody there before you at the beach. Locals are open to helping anywhere around the world, not just Encuentro. You can get advice for free.” Consult our locals!
MJ Nadal, Co-Owner of Vibez Fitness & Martial Arts
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“Be mindful. Keep the peace. And know you don’t have to be the best surfer out there.” - Chepe, Owner of Pauhana Surf School
Before entering the water in Encuentro, you will cross a rocky reef that has sea urchins. Wear booties and carefully walk out. Surfing over the reef can cause damage to your board or body! Make sure to hop off your board before you get to shore.
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“The point of surfing is always to have fun. Catching the perfect wave is subjective. If you follow the rules and feel confident in the basic techniques, chances of you catching YOUR perfect wave are high.” - Alicia Martinet, Cabarete local competing in ISA and WSL Qualifying Series Events
Pamela Cuadros, Owner of Salty’s Creative Studio
Pamela Cuadros, Owner of Salty’s Creative Studio, suggests taking a lesson with an instructor from one of our surf schools to become familiar with Encuentro’s surf etiquette and norms. At Encuentro, the beach is lined with friendly surf schools that offer expert instruction depending on your goals and level. Not only will the instructors teach you the basics of surfing, but they will give you a better sense of how to be respectful while having fun on the water. Before you get on the water, make sure you are fully equipped and prepared. Chino Fung, Owner of Vibez Water Division, suggests: “choose the right board according to your level so you feel safe and comfortable.” After getting your board, don’t forget to prepare your body for surfing. MJ Nadal, Co-Owner of Vibez Fitness and Martial Arts, gave us pointers on the best stretches and reminded us, “Don’t forget to stretch your shoulders and hips; they are crucial for mobility and performance!” Stretching before surfing is key for sports injury prevention. Once you are on the water, make sure you surf the break within your limits. Our local surfers suggest practicing in the white wash if you are a beginner or familiarizing yourself with the lineup order before you get out there. Do not rush out to the lineup until you are ready. Spend time chatting with other surfers, 46 | CABARETE GUIDE 2024
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“Nature rules, don’t panic, and know you can never fully master the ocean!” - Marcus Bohm, Founder of Master of the Ocean & 321 Take Off Surf School
watching the waves, and practicing in the water with an instructor. Following these simple guidelines will ensure you feel comfortable at Encuentro, and set you up for a better chance at catching your perfect wave! To progress to that next level, Chepe, Owner of Pauhana Surf School, believes that surfing takes discipline, dedication, and time. Chepe advises that, “If you really want to become a surfer, you have to check the break early every morning. To become a real surfer, you have to find waves. And that takes discipline.” And always remember, “Be mindful. Keep the peace. And know you don’t have to be the best surfer out there.” After all, it’s all about having fun! In order to continue shredding the gnar though, there is one basic ground rule our local surfers stand by: keep our beaches and oceans clean and don’t bother the local marine life. Whether you are just visiting or living here, it is up to us to protect our environment so we can teach future generations how to surf too! Chepe encourages us to, “Just pick up a bag or two that you see on the sand or in the waves… You don’t have to start a whole beach cleanup.” Our local surfers urge you to “Avoid littering. Instead, pick up any trash you see on your way.” It is our responsibility to keep our oceans clean. Even if that means leaving our beaches nicer than you found them! Overall, the biggest piece of advice is to never forget to have fun!
POP-UP
TIPS
“LOOK FORWARD, NEVER LOOK DOWN! BEND YOUR KNEES, BUT DO NOT USE YOUR KNEES TO POP UP” - Marcus
“PUSH-UPS, PULL UPS, PLANKS AND SWIM” - Chepe
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Marcus, Owner of 321 Takeoff and Master of the Ocean
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DON’T BE A
KOOK Kook, noun. Pronunciation: kük
An individual with no understanding of the social and sartorial norms of surfing*. In the water, a kook’s cluelessness can aggravate or endanger other surfers*; on occasion, kooks can even be recognized solely by the faux pas they commit out of the ocean. -- GQ Sports
A kook is a pre-beginner surfer, an aspiring wave rider, a nerd, or someone who tries - and fails - to mimic the surfing* lifestyle. Kooks are careless, odd, exotic, and ridiculous. They disrespect the nobility of surfing*. -- Surfer Today
Someone who approaches kiteboarding* with too much earnestness and overconfidence, often jeopardizing the safety of everyone around them through poor kite control and erratic jumps. -- MAC Kiteboarding
*Not limited to surfing or kitesurfing, the term kook can be applied to all of Cabarete’s watersports. The kookiest of kooks can be spotted disrespecting locals, marine habitat, water and beach etiquette, and flaunting next year’s edition of the most expensive gear (including all of the bells and whistles).
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Ranging from beginners who have never stepped foot on a board to professional athletes that have competed at the highest levels around the world, Cabarete is made for all abilities. With that, comes some responsibilities that are important to understand in order to make these sports accessible and safe for all that choose to participate. No one wants to be a kook, and we’re here to help save you the embarrassment and protect the waters of Cabarete from the kookiest of visitors.
Cabarete Bay & Kite Beach Look both ways before crossing. Kites are constantly landing and launching on beaches of Cabarete. Kite lines are sharp like a blade and can cut you or cause significant injury that may require medical attention. Never try to grab a kite by the lines. Be careful when crossing!
The Basics Respect your own limits. Only ride in conditions that you feel confident to maneuver safely. You know what they say, “If in doubt, don’t go out!” Everyone has to start somewhere. Respect beginners, keep a safe distance on the water, and offer advice or help where appropriate. Be properly equipped. Make sure you have functional and proper equipment for your level, such as a leash, sun protection, quick release, helmet, and personal flotation devices or impact vests to name a few. Treat others how you want to be treated. Always help another person in trouble. These are extreme water sports that can be dangerous and put others at risk. Look out for one another! Stick to your allocated zone. If you’re not sure where you should be, ask a local instructor or school. Following the rules is crucial for ensuring safety for yourself and all around you. After all, we’re all chasing the thrill of it!
Understand the wind direction and its relation to you before you even consider entering the water. Due to trade winds, Cabarete generally has an East to West wind direction, but every now and then it blows onshore from the North making the conditions more challenging and dangerous for beginners. Stick to your zone. Kite Beach is known for its calmer conditions, great for beginners but populated by all. The Bay of Cabarete has posted regulations for windsurfing and kitesurfing: kitesurfers are not allowed east of Villa Taina unless you are significantly beyond the reef as this area is designated for windsurfers, wingers, and paddle sports; kitesurfers are also not allowed directly in front of Viva Tangerine by Windham resorts where the designated swim area is roped off. The reefs of Cabarete bay and Kite Beach are shallow and full of marine life. Please only windsurf, kitesurf, or paddle on the reefs if you can confidently waveride. Help each other launch and land kites. This prevents the need to self-launch or self-land which in turn keeps everyone safer. Keep a safe distance from beginners. There is nothing more anxiety inducing than having someone on your tail as a beginner. How might you be able to identify a beginner? Helmets! Personal Flotation Devices! Rider who cannot go upwind!
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R-E-S-P-E-C-T Leave no trace or leave it nicer than you found it. Do not litter. Pick up after yourself. Take everything you came with. Do not take live marine life like coral or sand dollars that have washed up on shore; throw them back in the water. When we all do our part, we protect our beaches and keep our oceans safe so that we can all enjoy these clean, healthy spaces. Respect the locals, leash your dog. Did you know that many Dominicans are afraid of dogs? When walking on the beach, please be considerate of locals and other passerbyers. Please keep your dog on a leash if other people are nearby and be mindful of your pet’s interaction with other animals and people. Prevent unnecessary dangers to our community: a lesson on decomposition and public health. Pick up after your dog and throw it away, do NOT bury your dog’s feces in the sand. Dog excrement contains toxic pathogens like E. coli, salmonella, roundworms, Giardia, and more as well as nutrients that can promote the growth of toxic algae and weeds in bodies of water. Dog excrement takes on average a year to decompose and the toxic pathogens can linger for up to 4 years.
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We also talked to some of the most knowledgeable local surfers to provide us with insight and helpful tips in order to conquer Cabarete’s waves at Encuentro Beach for all experience levels and look like a local while doing it.
Encuentro There are sea urchins and sharp coral on the reef! If you are not familiar with the terrain or new to surfing, we recommend wearing proper protective gear, such as water shoes or booties while surfing. Know your right of way. The person closest to the wave’s breaking peak always has priority. This is generally the surfer with the longest potential ride in the lineup. Communicate. If the wave is dual-peaking, call your direction “left!” or “right!” Share the swell. If there are surfers that have been waiting a long time to catch a wave, give them a shot. Even if you can catch every wave, take turns. Don’t be a wavehog. Don’t drop in (unless you’re messing with a friend!). The person up and riding the wave has priority so you should not cut in front of them. This is important for avoiding injury and being respectful of other surfers. Don’t be a snake. Snaking is the act of paddling around a surfer to get yourself closer to the peak of the wave and, therefore, giving yourself right of way. This is the most poisonous of snakes on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic.
Watch where you are paddling. Try not to paddle straight into a set for your own sake and avoid ruining others’ waves. Respect the locals. Cabarete is an international community so sometimes it is hard to tell the Dominican locals apart from the international locals that were born and raised here. But the point remains the same: many locals surf at Encuentro every day so respect their home turf. Give them their well deserved respect and turns. Be polite and ask them if you are unsure of any of the rules or etiquette. Surf your ability. If you are a beginner you should generally stick to the white water. Once you are more advanced you can paddle out to the lineup, but know that the further outside of Encuentro’s center increases in difficulty (also known as Coco Pipe and Bobo’s Point). Challenge yourself, but don’t be a hazard. Lo siento. Sorry. Disculpa. Désolé. An apology can go a long way on the water. Claim your mistake and try not to do it again whether you’re dropping in, snaking, or just purely running over someone.
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Pediatric Office
Cabarete | 849-357-6458 | @carinopediatrics 56 | CABARETE GUIDE 2024
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“TOGETHER WE CAN DO SO MUCH MORE THAN ONE PERSON ALONE.” - Rosa Mercedes
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LOCALS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
MEET ROSA MERCEDES SINCE 2022, ROSA HAS COLLECTED OVER 200 GARBAGE BAGS OF
TRASH FROM CABARETE’S LAND. If you have been in Cabarete long enough, you are likely aware of the littering problem the country is facing. Ranging from plastic bags to bottles to candy wrappers to diapers, the Dominican Republic’s environment is overrun by trash and plastic pollution. In 2021, The Ocean Cleanup found that 80% of river plastics that end up in the ocean stem from just 1,000 rivers around the world (Meijer et al. 2021). 10 of those rivers are located right here in the Dominican Republic and 31 in total on the island of Hispaniola; this means 3.1% of all global ocean plastic pollution is coming from our small island! But the local people are not to blame. These issues can be attributed to the cultural influence of the Global North, who provide large economic support via tourism and consumerism to the country. We must act now to protect the beautiful island and we believe–that by working together–there is still hope to preserve the environment. One of our caring community members, Rosa Mercedes, has taken this problem into her own hands. Originally from Bonao, Rosa has lived on and off of the North Coast for 38 years. Rosa and her husband have owned eclectic gift shops in the Florida Keys and Woodstock, New York that sell a variety of hippie products. In 1988, Rosa and her husband finally settled in Cabarete and now have two In Limbo Surf (Hippie Shop) locations that rent paddle boards and kayaks, and serve local draft beer. When Rosa first bought her property in Cabarete, she realized that plastic debris completely covered the neighboring lagoon as well as the roads, rivers, and communities of the town at large. She spent months hauling trash out of the lagoon, determined to preserve the beautiful nature adjacent to her home and store, and found that overtime, nature and biodiversity will return to their natural ecosystems.
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It doesn’t end there. In the 80’s, Rosa began to pick up trash by the entrance of Barrio Blanco – a large local neighborhood – and in Cabarete’s downtown. In an effort to gain community support and awareness, Rosa created a GoFundMe page and received donations from Cabarete’s hardware stores in rakes and garbage bags to help her initiative. She even hired community members to collect trash on the side of the streets, but they are overwhelmed by the quantity of trash. On average, it has taken 1 person 4 hours every 3 days to remediate the damage created on the west end of Cabarete. Yet, with resilience and persistence, since 2022, Rosa has collected over 200 garbage bags of trash from Cabarete’s land. 60 | CABARETE GUIDE 2024
We are immensely grateful for Rosa’s initiatives and hope you will join us in thanking and supporting her. Rosa’s work has not gone unnoticed, but there is a long path ahead. We believe that through collective action and education, we can make our community a greener place and prevent further damage to the environment.* Say no to single-use plastic, bring reusable bags and containers, and leave our community more beautiful than you found it.
*As of December 2023, Cabarete’s local government heard Rosa’s demands and Mayor, Freddy Cruz, and team have initiated efforts to improve public sanitation on the streets of Cabarete.
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“WITH A LITTLE IMAGINATION AND A FULL HEART ONE CAN ALWAYS PREPARE A DECENT MEAL.” - Like Water for Chocolate. Novel by Laura Esquivel
There are very few places in the world where you can walk down the beach to 30+ restaurants and sit under the stars and indulge in cuisines from all over the world. When people say that Cabarete is a melting pot, it is quite literally a place where cultures fuse to present their tastiest variations with a Caribbean twist. From Traditional Dominican Comedors to Italian Trattorias to Sushi Bars to Venezuelan Street Food Stands, your palate won’t get bored in Cabarete. The range is endless. Bakeries, cafes, smoothie bars, street food, full service restaurants – you pick! The island’s fresh seafood, local dairy, and tropical fruits and vegetables are a true chef’s dream. The beauty of Cabarete’s gastronomy ultimately lies in the smiles of the chef’s that have lived to tell the tale. Check out some of our favorite restaurant recommendations. And don’t forget to explore beyond the beach as some of the best meals can be found off the beaten path!
TRADITIONAL DOMINICAN CUISINE Happy Family - Dominican, Seafood, Pizza Luis Pollo - Parada Tipica Serenade at Hotel Villa Taina - Dominican Buffet Friday’s Wilson’s La Boca Restaurant - Dominican family style 62 | CABARETE GUIDE 2024
Special Night Out The Beach Club - Seafood Grill & Bar Bliss - Italian Drifter - Mediterranean Caribbean Fusion La Casita de Papi - Seafood Le Bistro - French Tuva - Italian Sunset Grill - International Cuisine, Seafood Grill
Coffee Shops & Healthy Bites
International Fusion
Cabarete Coffee Company - Coffee, Breakfast, Lunch, Smoothies
Ali’s Surf Camp - Seafood, Venezuelan Churrasco
Fresh Fresh Cafe - Breakfast, Lunch, Smoothies
Blue Moon (reservation only) - Caribbean Indian Fusion
Gypsy Bowls - Bowls, Salads, Smoothies
Gordito’s Fresh Mex - Fast Food Mexican
The Honey Company - Honey, Breakfast, Lunch
Restaurant Bayerischer Hof - German, Schnitzel, Sausage
Vagamundo Coffee & Waffles - Coffee, Waffles, Lunch
Swai - Ceviche, Seafood, Dominican
Bakeries
Yamazato - Caribbean Asian Fusion, Sushi Bar
100% Pan Bakery - European Belgian Bakery - Belgian Dick’s Bakery - German
Pizza & Pasta Craving Ceiba Cafe and Pizzeria - Pizzeria Chabola - Pizzeria Pizza & Spaghetti House - Italian Pizzicleta - Pizzeria Pomodoro Pizza - Italian
Happy Hour & Casual Eats Aqua at Millennium - Caribbean Spanish Tapas Coconuts Restaurant - Italian, Bar Bites El Cocotazo Cafe - Dominican, Breakfast, Lunch, Cocktails Encuentro Food Park - International Food Trucks Gordito’s Fresh Mex - Fast Food Mexican Lax - Drinks, Bar Bites, Pizza Mojito Bar - Mojitos, Dominican, Bar Bites Voy Voy Bar Restaurant - Dominican, Bar Bites theguidecabarete.com | 63
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Beach
Pool
Spa
NATURA CABANA An Eco-Conscious Escape
www.naturacabana.com
Yoga
Bungalows
Restaurants
+1.849.214.7010 / info@naturacabana.com
MARIPOSA GIRLS. THE RESULTS ARE IN. The Mariposa DR Foundation’s innovative programs are changing the trajectory of girls born into poverty. After 15 years, a new generation of educated, independent, and powerful young women has emerged and the results have been nothing short of astonishing.
Kenia spent nearly her whole life in Mariposa programs and is currently studying at the United World College (UWC) in Thailand.
Nikauris was the first person in her family to learn to write and to graduate from high school. She received a full scholarship to study Montessori Education, and after an internship, she has now started her own school in her mother’s community.
Poverty is hard for everyone, but it’s hardest for girls. When a family lives in generational poverty, parents often have to choose which of their children will get the privilege of attending school. For most, the obvious choice is their sons. Boys are seen as more capable of earning income because it’s just safer for them to exist. They’re not at risk of early marriage or childbirth. All poor children deal with obstacles, but boys have an inherent advantage. Girls, however, are uniquely capable of changing everything. When a girl is educated, empowered, and employed, she will have fewer, healthier children when she’s ready, earn income that she will invest back into her family and ultimately break the persistent cycle of generational poverty in her family. If children keep having babies, nothing will ever change. Keeping girls in school, equipping them with real world business skills and empowering them to go against the norm requires highly specialized programming, tailored to their unique needs. This is where 100% of the focus is at Mariposa. Why? Because, if there ever was a silver bullet to solve generational poverty, this is it. 68 | CABARETE GUIDE 2024
Arianny and Kimberly at graduation from Mariposa in 2022. Both girls come from long-term Cabarete families and grew up in the organization. Arianny is studying to become a pediatrician and Kimberly is studying nursing. The Mariposa DR Foundation’s innovative programs are changing the trajectory of girls born into poverty. After 15 years, a new generation of educated, independent, and powerful young women has emerged and the results have been nothing short of astonishing. These brilliant young women have smashed the glass ceiling and have accomplished more than anyone ever imagined. With the comprehensive support of The Mariposa DR Foundation, here is just a little bit of what they have done, all in one generation.
10 YEARS AT THE MARIPOSA CENTER FOR GIRLS CERTIFIED LIFEGUARD HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE COLLEGE STUDENT MENTOR
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Romely
Andrea
Detiny Anerdis Mabel
Maria Angelica
Rosetamar Maricrisel
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Nicole
9-year-old Andrea at Mariposa’s Grand Opening in February 2014. Today, Andrea is teaching reading at Mariposa and studying Engineering at Universidad Tecnológica de Santiago (UTESA). Romely attended the Atlantic College UWC in Wales and recently graduated from Wartburg College in Iowa, USA with a major in psychology. She is now interning at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota and has an eye on obtaining a Master’s or even a PhD in psychology.
Jafreisy
Detiny’s passion for art grew at Mariposa, where she was involved in every cultural program we provided. She later earned multiple scholarships to the prestigious institutions of Pearson College UWC in Canada, Interlochen Art School, and Middlebury College in Vermont, USA, where she is currently studying. Nicole is another brainy Mariposa. Nicole’s passion is surfing and studying the brain. After graduating from UWC Costa Rica, she is now attending Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington on a full scholarship and is majoring in neuroscience. Jafreisy joined Mariposa at a very young age and had a strong passion for theater and dance. Oozing with personality, this young woman graduated from UWC Costa Rica and Methodist College in North Carolina, USA on full scholarships. She is currently working full time in Miami, Florida.
Mariolis Yaritza
9-year-old Mariolis at Mariposa’s Grand Opening in February 2014. Today, Mariolis is a third year medical student studying at Universidad Tecnológica de Santiago (UTESA) on a full scholarship from the Mariposa DR Foundation. Anerdis Mabel has gone quite literally farther than any Mariposa girl to date. She is on a full scholarship at Southeast Asia UWC in Singapore, where she has found a great passion for physics. When asked what she wants to do when she grows up, she says “I want to be President of the Dominican Republic!” She thinks she can do a great job, and we think so too! Rosetamar received a full academic scholarship to attend the prestigious Altos de Chavon School in Santo Domingo, sister school to the Parsons School of Design in New York. Maricrisel (Gigi) is one of 12 siblings and is literally soaring above us all. Her dream is to become a pilot, and she has already flown a small plane! We are working towards getting financial support so she can ultimately attend flight school. Maria Angelica is one of the original Mariposa girls and was the first to break the glass ceiling and attend school outside of the Dominican Republic, having earned a scholarship to UWC Costa Rica. She is a bilingual, smart, and confident young woman, and you can find her at Janet’s Supermarket as a member of the senior management team. Yartiza comes from the original cohort of Mariposa girls. She loves all sports and broke through every barrier that extreme poverty could have presented. Yaritza graduated from both UWC in Costa Rica and the College of Idaho with full scholarships and is now employed as a Spanish and music teacher in Oregon, USA. theguidecabarete.com | 71
HOW YOU CAN HELP CONTRIBUTE TO OUR FUTURE SUCCESS COMMUNITY ENGAGED LEARNING We pride ourselves on being a premier provider of educational tours. In fact, our founder was a pioneer in bringing ecotourism to the north coast of the Dominican Republic, and for decades has been using that experience to develop what we believe are the best Community Engaged Learning trips available anywhere. We welcome international volunteers for short- and long-term stays to work and play alongside our girls, to help foster international awareness both locally and around the world. There is no better way to raise awareness than to bring volunteers from around the world to see firsthand the work that we are doing. On a Mariposa Community Engaged Learning trip, you will have access to a side of the community not seen by traditional visitors and you are ensured a unique and life-changing experience. 72 | CABARETE GUIDE 2024
ECO-HERO WORKBOOK The second edition of the Eco-Heroes workbook is now available for purchase at the Mariposa Center for Girls and at Cabarete Coffee Company! Eco-Heroes: Guardians of the Planet Earth is a duallanguage, interactive learning book that has full text in English and Spanish. Focused on the importance of protecting the environment, marine biodiversity, and endemic species to the Dominican Republic, Mariposa’s Eco-Hero workbook is a great gift, versatile for classroom use, ideal for bilingual educators, and encourages young readers to learn about the environment and the island of Hispaniola.
Visit our local social business where all proceeds go directly to support our programs
PURCHASE YOUR BOOK FOR: $600 Pesos or $10 USD / workbook $5,500 Pesos or $100 USD / set of 12 $13,750 Pesos or $250 USD / set of 30
Make a contribution to the Mariposa Center For Girls
Start a social media campaign to support our work
@MariposaDRFoundation
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