If you were to ask a Venezuelan to describe their culture, how might they respond? The 3-minute response? They would probably tell you about their beautiful beaches, their beauty queens, and perfect tropical weather that stays around 80 degrees in most parts of the country, year-round.
On the other hand, if you are able to sit down with them, they would paint you a picture with their words of the majestic waterfall Angel Falls (one of the seven wonders of the world) in the magical region of Canaima—the region home to the Pemón, the largest group of indigenous Venezuelans. They would amaze you by talking about other incredible forces of nature, such as an everlasting lightning storm called the Relámpago de Catatumbo. They would describe the crisp air one breathes in when standing near the snow-capped Pico Bolivar, the highest mountain in the Andean region of the country (reaching nearly 17,000 feet).
They might sing you a Gaita (“gy-ta”) if they are from the region of Zulia (“Zoo-lia”). If they come from the llanos (“yah-nos”), a.k.a. the plains, it’s possible they would play a Joropo (“ho-ro-po”) on their 4-stringed guitar-like instrument, the cuatro. Afro-Venezuelans from the Caribbean coastal region might know how to dance Tambor (“tahm-bohr”), a fast, syncopated rhythm of the country’s surviving African percussive traditions.
Being Venezuelan is as unique and multi-faceted as the country’s landscape and traditions. We come from a mix of European, African and Indigenous cultures. Waves of immigration after the Spanish Conquest and World War II brought many Spaniards, Italians, Germans, Portuguese, Arabs, Moroccans, Jews, and other nationalities from the bordering countries of South America.
Our staple food, the arepa (“ah-rah-pa”), is salty, but it’s not uncommon to pair it with something sweet like maduros (ripe plantains). We barely we eat spicy food. Our land is wonderful for agriculture and mining, and we have the largest reserves of petroleum in the world. Our art, initially dominated by religious motifs, later gained international acclaim in the 20th century when the movement of modernism and kinetic art took over the country. Our daily life and problems are reflected in our theatre and television. Religion and spirituality continue to be a significant influence in all aspects of our culture.
Venezuela, once one of the most prosperous countries in the region, is now facing a severe economic, political, and humanitarian crisis. Although the causes are complex, the collapse in living standards is evident to both Venezuelans and the international community. Widespread corruption, poor governance, and the mismanagement of natural resources and the national economy, compounded by declining oil prices and hyperinflation, have left the minimum wage at approximately six U.S. dollars per month—far from sufficient to meet basic needs. As conditions became increasingly unlivable, between 2017 and 2019, nearly three million Venezuelans--about one-tenth of the population—were forced to leave the country, triggering the largest refugee crisis in recent Latin American history. While many have found refuge with family or friends in neighboring countries such as Colombia and Peru, those unable to migrate often face extreme poverty, food insecurity, and precarious work, with children and older adults among the most severely affected.
The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela has become the most severe in the Western Hemisphere. Since 2015, more than seven million Venezuelans have been forced to leave their country due to prolonged economic and political instability, according to recent United Nations data, exceeding the scale of the Syrian displacement crisis. Those who remain in Venezuela often survive thanks to the selfless efforts of hospitals, clinics, local parishes, and community-based organizations that continue to serve their communities despite minimal resources. Venezuela’s Voice in Oregon has long focused on collecting and delivering in-kind humanitarian aid—such as medical and hygiene supplies and nonperishable food—to communities with the greatest need. Building on this work, we now also support nutrition, health, and educational programs that strengthen local capacity and provide sustained assistance to vulnerable populations, while also extending aid to Venezuelan migrants, multicultural migrants, and refugees. This dual approach recognizes the interconnected realities of displacement and those left behind, and seeks to promote dignity, resilience, and well-being for Venezuelans wherever they may be. We invite you to join us in this meaningful and compassionate effort as the people of Venezuela continue to navigate this challenging chapter in the country’s history.
On the other hand, if you are able to sit down with them, they would paint you a picture with their words of the majestic waterfall Angel Falls (one of the seven wonders of the world) in the magical region of Canaima—the region home to the Pemón, the largest group of indigenous Venezuelans. They would amaze you by talking about other incredible forces of nature, such as an everlasting lightning storm called the Relámpago de Catatumbo. They would describe the crisp air one breathes in when standing near the snow-capped Pico Bolivar, the highest mountain in the Andean region of the country (reaching nearly 17,000 feet).
They might sing you a Gaita (“gy-ta”) if they are from the region of Zulia (“Zoo-lia”). If they come from the llanos (“yah-nos”), a.k.a. the plains, it’s possible they would play a Joropo (“ho-ro-po”) on their 4-stringed guitar-like instrument, the cuatro. Afro-Venezuelans from the Caribbean coastal region might know how to dance Tambor (“tahm-bohr”), a fast, syncopated rhythm of the country’s surviving African percussive traditions.
Being Venezuelan is as unique and multi-faceted as the country’s landscape and traditions. We come from a mix of European, African and Indigenous cultures. Waves of immigration after the Spanish Conquest and World War II brought many Spaniards, Italians, Germans, Portuguese, Arabs, Moroccans, Jews, and other nationalities from the bordering countries of South America.
Our staple food, the arepa (“ah-rah-pa”), is salty, but it’s not uncommon to pair it with something sweet like maduros (ripe plantains). We barely we eat spicy food. Our land is wonderful for agriculture and mining, and we have the largest reserves of petroleum in the world. Our art, initially dominated by religious motifs, later gained international acclaim in the 20th century when the movement of modernism and kinetic art took over the country. Our daily life and problems are reflected in our theatre and television. Religion and spirituality continue to be a significant influence in all aspects of our culture.
Venezuela, once one of the most prosperous countries in the region, is now facing a severe economic, political, and humanitarian crisis. Although the causes are complex, the collapse in living standards is evident to both Venezuelans and the international community. Widespread corruption, poor governance, and the mismanagement of natural resources and the national economy, compounded by declining oil prices and hyperinflation, have left the minimum wage at approximately six U.S. dollars per month—far from sufficient to meet basic needs. As conditions became increasingly unlivable, between 2017 and 2019, nearly three million Venezuelans--about one-tenth of the population—were forced to leave the country, triggering the largest refugee crisis in recent Latin American history. While many have found refuge with family or friends in neighboring countries such as Colombia and Peru, those unable to migrate often face extreme poverty, food insecurity, and precarious work, with children and older adults among the most severely affected.
The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela has become the most severe in the Western Hemisphere. Since 2015, more than seven million Venezuelans have been forced to leave their country due to prolonged economic and political instability, according to recent United Nations data, exceeding the scale of the Syrian displacement crisis. Those who remain in Venezuela often survive thanks to the selfless efforts of hospitals, clinics, local parishes, and community-based organizations that continue to serve their communities despite minimal resources. Venezuela’s Voice in Oregon has long focused on collecting and delivering in-kind humanitarian aid—such as medical and hygiene supplies and nonperishable food—to communities with the greatest need. Building on this work, we now also support nutrition, health, and educational programs that strengthen local capacity and provide sustained assistance to vulnerable populations, while also extending aid to Venezuelan migrants, multicultural migrants, and refugees. This dual approach recognizes the interconnected realities of displacement and those left behind, and seeks to promote dignity, resilience, and well-being for Venezuelans wherever they may be. We invite you to join us in this meaningful and compassionate effort as the people of Venezuela continue to navigate this challenging chapter in the country’s history.
Thank you for your collaboration! |