If you plan to visit Venezuela, a trip during Carnival, or carnival, is the perfect opportunity to see how the country celebrates. For Venezuelans, this is the most anticipated time of the year, even more so than Christmas and Easter. For more than 150 years, this vacation has been a time for families to come together and let go.
One word of caution: Carnival goers like to celebrate by shooting squirt guns and throwing water balloons. Some balloons may have frozen, which can be painful if they hit you. If you see a balloon approaching, try to dodge it.
Origin of the carnival
The carnival was brought to Venezuela by the Spanish during the colonial era. It is primarily a Catholic tradition where families gather for a great feast to finish all the rich food before the start of Lent. The carnival takes place 40 days before Easter Sunday, which generally falls in February or March. The festivities begin the Saturday before Ash Wednesday.
Carnival in Callao
El Callao, a small mining town founded in 1853, is home to the largest Carnival in Venezuela, which lasts for four days. Here the locals combine Venezuelan traditions with those of Trinidad, the West Indies and the French West Indies. African culture in El Callao also plays a role because Africans were brought over by European explorers during the colonial era. You’ll see this African influence in beautiful elaborate costumes and Afro-Caribbean calypso music from Trinidad and Tobago.
There are many different types of Carnival costumes here. You will see madamas , who are dancers dressed in African headscarves and robes that represent the unmarried women of the city. There are also scary red and black demon costumes. The traditional costumes are of the royal court: kings, queens, courtiers and jesters. Modern costumes include movies and cartoon characters.
Carnival in Carúpano
Carúpano, a port city on the Caribbean coast, was founded in 1647 and became a center for cocoa production. Around 1873, Carúpano began to celebrate Carnival, and it is now one of the largest and most lively in the country. The four-day party draws more than 400,000 people.
Water games used to be popular, but were eradicated due to the violence that emerged. Now the celebration focuses on parades, floats, old cars, steel drums, salsa music, orchestras, colorful costumes and the character of Diablo Luis (a dancing demon). After a carnival queen, mini queen (girl), and gay queen are chosen, they are the stars of a parade that also includes “fireflies,” men dressed in female costumes who dance and sing. The festival begins with the “Carnival Cry” and ends Tuesday night with a spectacular fireworks display.
Travel agent
Traveling to different countries can be dangerous at times. Before you travel, check to see if the US Department of State has issued travel advisories for your destination.
You can also enroll in the Smart Smart Enrollment Program (STEP) which allows you to register your trip with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. By registering, you will receive security alerts and it will be easier to contact the embassy during an emergency.
