Yes, quite some time has elapsed since the ~ Fruits and Delights of Venezuela ~ blog. Please excuse my hiatus which translates into a mother-load of amazing stories and pics that I am waiting to share with everyone!
As in many countries around the world Venezuela inaugurates the start of the Lent season with Carnaval, which traditionally was a period to indulge in temptations and pleasures before leading a sanctified life during the 40-day fast for Lent, in honor of the death of Christ.
After a 9-hour overnight bus ride I landed in Carupano which has a well-known reputation for Carnaval. This laid back fishing port town completely transforms during the day and night for Carnaval!
No suprise here that the ladies and their costumes are the showstoppers during Carnaval! Others did receive a bit of show time as well....there were a few public service oriented floats like the "Save our Planet" one below. The guy on stilts was in high demand for photo-opts with the little ones:+)
To really experience the rhythm and spirit check out the video for more Carnaval in Carupano here is the link.
After a few days of non-stop dancing, eating, and spending time with the family, the 40-day Lent season kicks in, followed by "Semana Santa" (week of the saint) which is the Latin American version of "Holy Week".
All throughout Venezuela from the smallest towns to the big hustling city of Caracas "Semana Santa" is celebrated, which honors the crucification and resurrection of Christ for 3-days, with a mixture of candlelight vigils, singing, parades, and an assortment of unique styles and inspirations that each celebration brings.
Of course I had to experience "Semana Santa" in my home-away-from-home San Jose (Barlovento), Venezuela. This was not just any typical 90-degree humid San Jose night the whole town came out shoulder-to-shoulder, candle-to-candle, and purpled out!
I am so grateful to Amanda and her family for guiding me around during the 6+ hour procession but thank goodness Amanda's lil' ones - Natalie and Jesus - got tired of walking so we cut out on the 4th hour:+)
Enjoy my video footage of Semana Santa at this link.
We have now arrived to Easter (Palm Sunday) in Venezuela and there are actually real mother-earth grown palms! It is a tradition in Caracas (the capitol) for the men to travel a few hours outside of the city to Barlovento (yes just where we spent Semana Santa) to collect palms for Palm Sunday which are seen throughout the Easter church services.
A couple of the Palmeros
Just to extend our ~ Spiritual Splash ~ in Venezuela a bit more we'll now return to San Jose (Barlovento) to attend the celebration of their town saint, San Jose!
Explore and enjoy more of the Santa "San Jose" celebration click on the following links: click for link #1, click for link #2, click for link #3.
Lil' Quickie: Although over 90% of the Venezuelan population is Catholic the Santeria religion also has a major stronghold in the society. After having a Santeria reading for myself I realized that I don't always want to know what the future holds:+) Her spiritual tobacco readings were so on POINT!
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Political Culture
Que Pasa?
~ Venezuela celebrated its 200th Independence Day in April with exorbitant fanfare and participation from millions of Venezuelans from all sectors of the society. Presidential support from Argentina, Bolivia, Cuba, and Ecuador were in full attendance for the political and cultural extravaganza!
~ Canidates are gearing up steam for the upcoming parliamentary elections at the end of September to elect 167 deputies to the National Assembly, the legislative branch of the Venezuelan government. ~
~ Venezuela provides substantial support to Haitian earthquake survivors (also to Chile) but the million dollar question is - For how long can Venezuela provide assistance to Haiti? ~
Latest Issues
~ A major law is currently being decided on how the Venezuelan government will control the "international bond trading" aka "the exchange rate" and buttress the capitalistic driven world economy. There are currently 2 heavily competing systems in Venezuela - governmental & black market - with the black market rate exchanging 1:8 (USD:Bolivares). This translates to fear among US bank account holders (both foreigners and many Venezuelans) for the possibility of a substantial decrease of the USD and/or sanctions against the black market, which despite the name is the market legitimate businesses and international bond exchange use. Until the law is passed all international monetary exchanges are suspended - we are in the 2nd week of the suspension period! ~
~ International relations with Russia to continue trading and military partnerships and more recently with China to increase technology enterprises are thriving stronger. ~
Mo’ Info: http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/ (pro-Chavez); http://english.eluniversal.com/ (maybe anti-Chavez)
Best sources are in Spanish let me know if your interested!***************************************************
Soljourner
