The contest received 250 images from 93 participants and awarded eight works that reflect scenes, characters and experiences from the historic center of Santo Domingo
SANTO DOMINGO– The daily life of the Colonial City has found in photography a way to preserve its stories. Through 21 images chosen by the jury, Historia Habitada 2026: Crónicas de la vida en la Ciudad Colonial (Inhabited History 2026: Chronicles of Life in the Colonial City) delves into the faces, encounters, businesses, and moments that shape the identity of this heritage site.
The competition culminated last Wednesday, September 9, with a ceremony at the Spanish Cultural Center in Santo Domingo, where photographers, representatives of the organizing entities, sponsors, collaborators, and guests gathered to celebrate the different perspectives on life in this historic sector.
A call that explored the city
The proposal brought together 250 photographs from 93 participants, who turned their lenses towards various corners of the Colonial City in search of scenes capable of conveying its daily dynamics.
The evaluation panel, made up of Mayra Johnson, Clifford Grant and Rosalba Hernández, examined the proposals and chose 21 pieces that will soon be part of an exhibition.
The images documented spontaneous moments, people and activities that often go unnoticed, but which contribute to shaping the character of one of the main historical spaces of Santo Domingo.
Eight works received awards
This year's edition presented awards in several categories.
Rainel Estévez Fabián won First Place – Altice Prize thanks to La Preparación. Kristian Ricardo Didiez obtained Second Place – Kimpton Las Mercedes Prize for Librería de Danny, while Oly Reiniere Reyes Fernández achieved Third Place – Hotel Gran Europa Prize with Principio y Final.
The audience also had the opportunity to choose their favorites. Erick Jordan Trujillo Rodríguez won the First Audience Award – Zona Bici with Lecturas de la vieja ciudad (Readings of the Old City), and Lesly Oded Pérez Rojas received the Second Audience Award – TOGAR for Un instante de calma (A Moment of Calm).
The jury reserved three Honorable Mentions for Tito González de Vega Pomar, for El duende; Héctor Moreno, for Guardaespalda; and Jeanibell Rocío Núñez Mañón, for Permanecia.
The inhabitants also build the heritage
The initiative proposes a vision that places people at the heart of life in the historic center. From this perspective, heritage transcends the churches, squares, streets, and centuries-old buildings that characterize the area.
Residents, workers, merchants, and visitors contribute experiences that enrich the identity of the place and allow us to understand its transformations.
A bookstore, a workday, a conversation, or a moment of rest can become graphic testimonies capable of connecting the past of the Colonial City with
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