EL

C A R N AVA
L
MARIA ALCALA LUNAR
 THE
CARNIVAL
Carnival is a popular festival in
Venezuela that is celebrated with
music, parades, dances, costumes
and other elements. It is a
celebration that brings people
together and has a social and cultural
impact on communities.
 THE
CARNIVAL
Carnival in Venezuela is much more than a party, it is an essential part of our culture and a celebration that unites all Venezuelans. This
holiday has its roots in European tradition, but has been transformed by the joyful spirit and creativity of our country, giving rise to
unique and colorful celebrations. Carnival, which occurs just before the start of Lent, is an opportunity to enjoy and feast before entering
the period of reflection. In Venezuela, this holiday is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is known for its infectious energy and vibrant
traditions. Each region of the country has its own special way of celebrating, reflecting the diversity and cultural richness of our country.
For us, carnival is a time of union and joy. It's when the streets are filled with music, dancing, and creative costumes. It is a festival that
transcends generations, where grandparents, parents and children come together to enjoy traditions and create unforgettable memories.
Carnival in Venezuela is one of the most joyful and colorful celebrations in the country, but have you ever wondered how it all started? Its
origin dates back to colonial times, when the Spaniards brought this tradition from Europe. At first, carnival was an exclusive festival of
the colonists, a celebration full of dances, costumes and masks, where Catholic influences and pagan traditions were mixed. However,
over time, this festivity was transformed and adapted to our culture.
Indigenous people and enslaved Africans also played an important role in the evolution of carnival in Venezuela. They brought their own
customs, rhythms, and ways of celebrating. Thus, what began as a European festival became a unique fusion of cultures, where each
region of the country added its special touch: the calypso of El Callao and the comparsas of Carúpano, among others. Over the centuries,
carnival has evolved from an elitist celebration to a village festival. Today, the Venezuelan carnival is an opportunity for everyone,
regardless of age, gender or social stratum, to come together to enjoy and express their joy through dance, music, costumes and
troupes. Today, this holiday is more than just a celebration, it is a symbol of our cultural identity and a demonstration of the richness of
our roots.
 Masks and
costumes
If there is one thing that cannot be missing from the carnival, it is masks and costumes. From children to
adults, everyone enjoys transforming themselves into characters full of imagination for a day.
The masks, many of them handmade, represent all kinds of figures: devils, animals, historical figures or
mythological beings.
Costumes are also varied and often reflect current issues, pop culture or simply are a display of boundless
creativity. This is a way to express who we are or, better yet, who we want to be, at least for a while.
 PLATO TYPICAL
There is no specific information about the typical food of the Venezuelan Carnival, but here are some typical dishes of the country:

Pabellón: Venezuela's national dish, originating in the central region of Caracas. Fried eggs and Andean arepas can be added.
PREPARATION:
Ingredients 1-Cut the meat into 4 pieces.
2Place the beef broth in a large pot over medium-high heat. When it comes to a boil, add the meat and let it cook for 15 minutes. Taste and season
with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and let it cook for approximately 2 hours, or until the meat is fully cooked and tender. As the meat cooks, you
Ingredients should check to make sure that not all the broth is consumed, and add more if necessary. When the meat is ready, carefully remove it from the pot
Shredded meat and place it on a plate to cool. Reserve the broth (you will have approximately 3-4 cups of broth left over).
1 flank steak approximately 2 lbs 3-Once the meat is sufficiently cold, shred the meat using two forks or with your hands.
66 - 8 cups Progresso™ Beef Broth Salt and 4-In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil and let it heat slightly. Sauté the onion and bell pepper for 3-5 minutes, or until the onion
pepper to taste is translucent. Add the garlic and let it sauté for 1 more minute. Add the shredded beef to the sauce and mix well.
5Mix the tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce and oregano into the beef broth; mix well until everything is well incorporated. Add
4 tablespoons of olive oil
this mixture to the meat and mix well. Add the bay leaves, cover and let cook for 20 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been consumed.
1 large onion, chopped into small squares
6-Black Beans: In a blender, place the oil, onion and garlic. Blend at medium speed until everything is well combined.
1 cup green bell pepper, chopped into 7 In a large skillet, over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic mixture for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the can of black beans, and mix
small squares well. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt if necessary. Cover and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes.
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 8 Fried Plantains: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil and heat. When the oil is hot, fry the plantains, in batches of 5, for 2-3
1 can (6oz) Muir Glen™ Organic Tomato minutes on each side, or until they are soft and golden. Carefully remove from the pan and place on kitchen paper to absorb excess grease.
Paste 9 Serve: Place a generous portion of shredded beef, white rice, black beans and fried plantains on a plate. Serve hot.
1 can (8oz) Muir Glen™ Organic Tomato
Salsa
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 bay leaves
Black beans
1/2 cup corn oil
1 medium onion
2 cloves of garlic
1 can of black beans Salt to taste
Fried plantains
1 cup of oil for frying
2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
4 cups white rice, cooked to your liking
MUSIC A N D TYPICAL
DANCE
 Summary of the topic: The Carnival of Venezuela I chose the Venezuelan Carnival as the theme for my
presentation because it is one of the most vibrant and meaningful celebrations of our culture. As a
Venezuelan, I feel that Carnival represents the essence and diversity of our country, uniting traditions,
music, and artistic expressions that vary in each region. During these dates, Venezuela is filled with
colors, costumes, and joy, reflecting not only the festive spirit of the population, but also the cultural
richness and influences of our ancestors.
Carnival is important because it allows Venezuelans to express their cultural and social identity, while
connecting us with our Afro-descendant, indigenous and European roots. It also fosters unity between
communities, as many families, friends and neighbours come together to organise parades and
dances. The celebration is also an economic driver in some areas, where tourism and local crafts play
a relevant role.
On the other hand, by exploring this topic, one can also see how Carnival reflects the resilience of
the Venezuelan people, who, despite the difficulties, keep this tradition alive year after year. With
this presentation, my aim is to show the importance of this festivity and how it contributes to
strengthening our national identity.