Dominican Republic’s Ambassador to Netherlands Shines in International Role

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According to an Instagram post by rcavada on July 27, 2026, Dominican Republic actor and Ambassador to the Netherlands Carlos de la Mota, 42, was seen dancing and laughing with Laura Pérez Rojas at the Rotterdam Carnival. The post, captioned "bailando, riendo y disfrutando juntos de cada momento," captured the couple amid the vibrant festivities of the annual event, which draws thousands to the Dutch city’s streets.

De la Mota, known for his roles in Dominican telenovelas and film, has served as the Republic’s diplomatic representative in the Netherlands since 2020. His attendance at the Rotterdam Carnival, a celebration of multiculturalism and Caribbean heritage, highlighted his dual role as both an entertainer and a cultural envoy. Pérez Rojas, a model and social media influencer, has frequently been photographed alongside de la Mota in public appearances, though their relationship status remains unconfirmed by either party.

The Rotterdam Carnival, held annually in July, features parades, music, and traditional Caribbean performances. The event, which began in 1965, is one of the largest in Europe and attracts visitors from across the continent. De la Mota’s presence at the 2026 edition underscored the growing influence of Dominican cultural figures in international celebrations, particularly in cities with significant Caribbean diasporas.

A spokesperson for the Dominican Embassy in the Netherlands confirmed de la Mota’s attendance but declined to comment on Pérez Rojas’s role in the visit. “Ambassador de la Mota’s participation in cultural events like the Rotterdam Carnival reflects the Republic’s commitment to fostering international ties through shared traditions,” the statement said.

The couple’s public interaction at the carnival, which included photos of them wearing traditional Caribbean attire, sparked discussions on social media about the intersection of diplomacy and entertainment. Fans of de la Mota, who has over 2 million followers on Instagram, praised the “couples goals” moment, while others noted the significance of his dual identity as an actor and diplomat.

De la Mota’s career spans over two decades, with notable roles in series such as La Reina del Sur and Crimen y Castigo. His appointment as ambassador in 2020 marked a shift from entertainment to public service, though he has continued to engage with cultural initiatives. Pérez Rojas, who has collaborated with Caribbean fashion brands, has also been linked to charitable efforts in the Dominican Republic.

The Rotterdam Carnival’s organizers highlighted the event’s role in bridging cultural gaps. “Events like this allow communities to celebrate their roots while engaging with global audiences,” said a spokesperson for the Carnival’s executive committee. “The presence of figures like Ambassador de la Mota reinforces the importance of cultural diplomacy.”

While no official announcements about future diplomatic engagements were made during the event, de la Mota’s participation aligns with broader efforts by the Dominican Republic to strengthen ties with European nations. The country’s embassy in the Netherlands has previously hosted film screenings and art exhibitions to promote cultural exchange.

The Instagram post, which garnered over 10,000 likes within hours of being shared, became a focal point for discussions about the blending of public and private life in the digital age. Critics noted the potential for such moments to humanize diplomats, while others questioned the visibility of non-political figures in official capacities.

De la Mota’s appearance also drew attention to the Rotterdam Carnival’s evolving demographic. Recent years have seen increased participation from Latin American and Caribbean communities, reflecting the city’s diverse population. The event’s 2026 edition featured a special tribute to Caribbean culture, including performances by Dominican and Haitian artists.

As the carnival concluded, attendees and organizers expressed hope for continued collaboration between cultural institutions and diplomatic missions. “Events like this remind us that art and diplomacy are not mutually exclusive,” said a local historian covering the festival. “They create spaces for dialogue and mutual understanding.”

For now, the image of de la Mota and Pérez Rojas at the carnival remains a symbol of the enduring connections between entertainment, culture, and international relations. Whether as a diplomat or an actor, de la Mota’s presence in Rotterdam underscores the power of shared traditions to unite people across borders.