por Anzoátegui is a state of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela that belongs to the northeastern region and borders the Caribbean Sea and Sucre state. It is the sixth largest state in the country. According to its last demographic census (2011), it has a population of 2,171,199 inhabitants.
Venezuela has a territorial division with 23 states. The Anzoátegui state is one of the sources of tourism with the highest income per year. One of its main attractions are the hydrographic sources, since it is a coastal territory.
Regarding the scope of their traditions and customs, there is a large amount of material to study. Most of their typical dances present features related to the fauna, flora and indigenous culture of the northeastern region.
The following quote demonstrates one of the impressions given by the local press regarding the cultural environment of the state:
«The cultural wealth of Anzoátegui is demonstrated with the variety of its dances or dances, as well as traditional religious festivals.» Newspaper El Tiempo, Venezuela (2015).
Folklore, traditions and customs of Anzoátegui
Dances of the Sebucán
Known as El baile del Sebucán, the Dances of the Sebucán, or the dance of the tapes. It is one of the cultural expressions with the greatest impact in Venezuela.
It is known nationally for being a colorful dance whose theme is centered on the utensil of the same name: the sebucán.
The sebucán is a tool implemented in agricultural practices, used by the indigenous people of the area. The dance consists of grouping men and women around a pole erected in the center of said group.
The participants place colored ribbons around the stick and to the sound of the music they wrap them around it. Later they entangle them again, until the end of the dance.
Indigenous festivals and celebrations
Because the Anzoátegui state still has inhabitants of the Kariña ethnic group (an ancient indigenous tribe of the northeastern territory), certain traditions are still maintained.
Some of these are religious dances, to the sound of music and instruments made of wood and shoes. The list includes the so-called «Maremare». It is a dance widely used in wedding parties.
Its origin goes back to the story of a great cacique (tribe chief) who could not be given a decent burial. After his death, the Kariña population decided to pay homage through dance.
the guarandol bird
One of the most popular traditions of the Anzoátegui state and known throughout Venezuela is «El pájaro guarandol». As with other traditions in the state, it is a typical dance.
This tells the story of a hunter and a bird. It is a tragic story that shows how man, because of ambitions, destroys nature.
In the midst of the tragedy, a third character appears; a sorcerer who resurrects the bird. Each dance scene is narrated by stanzas. The result is a combination between a play and a musical.
the little face
The carite is the name given to the dance whose main characteristics are related to fishing. In this musical representation, men and women who play the role of «fishermen» participate. The king mackerel as the main protagonist, is fished and taken to the boats.
In the final stage of the dance, the women must gather in said boats where the fish have been taken.
The women then make monetary donations to the fishermen. It is a work that symbolizes the daily struggle of the northeastern inhabitant.
hobby for sport
In Anzoátegui there is a great passion for sport. Sample of them are the various stadiums to host different sports such as baseball, soccer or basketball. For example, the José Antonio Anzoátegui Stadium, located in Puerto de la Cruz, has a capacity for 40,000 spectators.
night activity
In cities like Barcelona or Puerto de la Cruz, there is a great nightlife and leisure attraction. It is common to see how Paseo Colón is a meeting point for families, who meet for lunch or dinner.
Tourist attraction
The Mochima National Park or the proximity to Isla Margarita attract thousands of tourists every year, which encourages the natives to also enjoy leisure infrastructures such as shopping centers, water activities and other types of national and international events.