Venezuela is a predominantly Roman Catholic country, with about 96 percent of the population following the faith. Summer festivals in Venezuela go far beyond the religious aspects of traditional South American carnivals. Deeply rooted in a mixture of Spanish, Caribbean, and indigenous traditions, Venezuelan festivals are unique celebrations of post-colonial identity, artistic expression, and cultural awareness. We list the top summer festivals in Venezuela you can experience here.
List of Festivals in Venezuela Celebrated in Summer
1. Festival of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
During the festivals of St. Peter and St. Paul, people pay tribute to the two apostles – who are important figures in Christianity. This festival celebrates the sacrifice of both St. Peter and St. Paul with a lively event where music, dance, and folklore are mixed. On the night before the celebration, bonfires will be lit throughout the province. Local people dress in traditional clothes and dance around every corner. A variety of delicious street food is also available at this popular summer festival in Venezuela, such as empanada, yuca, and tajadas.
When: June – July
Read More: Cities in Venezuela
2. Corpus Christi Devil Dancing, San Francisco de Yare
The Diablos Danzantes Devil Dance Festival maintains an ancient local tradition that began earlier in the 18th century. This best summer festival in Venezuela is held once a year in Corpus Christi, San Francisco de Yare. Wearing a red cloak adorned with crosses and a devil’s mask, participants dance in a group accompanied by loud drumming. A procession of colorful dancers fills the streets as they head towards the church. The creepy crowd performs in the city’s central square. Decorated with rosary beads, crosses, and maracas, they march through the streets, accompanied by the rhythm of awesome musical poems.
When: May – June
3. Dancing Devils
The Dancing Devils of Yare is the name of a pagan-Christian holiday on the day of Corpus Christi in San Francisco de Yare, Venezuela. Its origins can be traced back to the 18th century. In each Corpus Christi (nine Thursdays after Maundy Thursday), a ritual dance is performed by so-called “dancing devils” who wear colorful (usually red) clothes, striped layers of fabric, grotesque-looking masks, and other accessories such as crosses, shoulder pads, rosary, and more. In this folklore festival, devotion is given to the patron saint of St. Francis of Paola, the Blessed Sacrament, and Jesus Christ. This famous summer festival in Venezuela begins on Wednesday with an awakening where they play fulias (native musical style), say decimas (a native form of poetry), and pray rosaries and other prayers until dawn. The next day, devotional dances disguised as devils dance on the city’s main square. They also march through the streets, dressed in their red costumes and masks.
When: May
4. The Festival of San Juan
The Fiesta de San Juan is a three-day, primarily Christian festival to commemorate the birth of St. John the Baptist. This Venezuelan festival attracts many participants to the states where it is celebrated. There are exciting days with music groups from the region performing traditional San Juan rhymes and dances. On the second day of this most popular summer festival in Venezuela, people wave colorful handkerchiefs. The ceremony ends on the last night where crowds are late for the party.
When: June
Read More: Summer Festivals and Events in Belarus
5. Virgin of Coromoto Festival
Venezuelans celebrate Our Lady of Coromoto, also known as the Virgin of Coromoto. In 1942, the Venezuelan bishopric appointed Our Lady of Coromote to be the patron saint of Venezuela. XII. Pope Pius officially confirmed this decision in 1959. People said the beautiful virgin appeared in a vision and called for the baptism of the world. Some masses are held on his behalf in the national sanctuary during the festival. People keep a huge net, marching through the streets where members of the audience are easily thrown.
Read More: Monuments in Trinidad and Tobago
When` September
Hope you enjoyed the brief list of the top summer festivals in Lebanon that offer umpteen beach sports and fabulous scenic views of the city. There are various famous spots at the mentioned Festivals of All Seasons Celebrated in Lebanon which delivers many attractions. For more engaging blogs like these head on to our other blogs and ping us in the comment sections below if you hold any queries regarding the travel destinations.
The post Top Popular Summer Festivals in Venezuela Not to Miss appeared first on World Tour & Travel Guide, Get Travel Tips, Information, Discover Travel Destination | Adequate Travel.