Venezuela+Culture

=Culture of Venezuela! =


 * Geography || History || Culture || Political System || Economy || Classroom Activities ||

Venezuela is made up of mainly four different groups: Mestizos or Pardos (mixed Europrean and Indian ancestry) which make up 67% of the populaiton, White (European descent, usually Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese), which makes up 21% of the population, Black (African and Caribbean descent), which make up 10% of the population, and Indian (Native peoples), which make up 2% of the population.

The official language of Venezuela is Spanish, which was introduced to the territory in the 16th century. However, there are still about 25 native languages belonging to three different populations: Caribans, Arawaks, and Chibcha. These were the indigenous people of Venezuela. There is also a very strong African linguistic presence along the coastal region of the country. However, it is English that is slowly becoming the country's second language. This is mainly in part because of the oil industry. The people of Venezuela feel that it is absolutely necessary to be fluent in English for cultural and commercial purposes.  Venezuelans eat mainly three meals a day: a large breakfast, a large dinner (around noontime), and a light supper in the evening. The most distinctive Venezuelan food is an //arepas//, which is a thick disc made of precooked cornmeal, either fried or baked. Large //arepas// are eaten as a meal and usually filled with a filling (ham and cheese is the most popular one). Smaller //arepas// are served as a side dish at all meals. Some more popular Venezuelan food dishes include: 

the //pabellón criollo,// which consists of black beans, fried sweet plantains, white rice, and semi-shredded meat ( //carne mechada// ), all topped with a fried egg. Also popular are //pernil// (roasted pork), //asado// (roasted beef), //bistec a caballo// (steak with fried egg), and pork chops. Fruit juices are also extremely popular and there is also a great variety of salads, although these are traditionally seen as a complementary, not a main, dish.

About 90% of Venezuelans are Catholic. Since the 1980s, other religious affiliations have been growing in numbers. It is now not uncommon to find Protestants (especially Evangelists and Adventisits), Mormons, Jewish communities, and a small number of Islamic peoples.

Education in Venezuela is not much different from the education in the United States. Children are usually raised by their parents, and are taught good behavior, that education is important,competitiveness, friendliness, generosity, and overall good nature. Education is free for all students through grade twelve. In 1995, literacy was at over 90% ! There are many private and Catholic grade schools and high schools, usually in the urban centers. These schools have very good reputations and is where the wealthier families send their children .

Only 20-30 percent of Venezuela's population go on to earn a university degree. A university degree, or carrera, is usually obtained after four or five years after a person earns a licenciado, which is the equivalent of a bachelor's of arts degree in the United States. There are also a series of master or graduate classes, but a doctorate at the Ph.D. level are quite rare. 

Venezuelans are characterized by their outgoing nature. It is proper to greet another person with a kiss on each cheek. However, mean only kiss women, while women kiss both men and women. Body language between Venezuelans is very common and pervasive. They stand very close to each other, and talk very loudly. They also use their hands when they speak.

One of the most popular traditions in Venezuela is the Carnaval festival. It is a four day celebration that starts on a Saturday and ends on Fat Tuesday, or Marti Gras. It is a noisy, entertaining four days full of dances, music, and exhibitions. Carnaval is celebrated just like Christmas is celebrated. People of all ages take place in the parades, dances, and music! It is highly anticipated! Take a look at this short video clip of a Carnaval celebration:

media type="youtube" key="UZ25nzIJKnw" height="385" width="480"

<span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">This information was taken from this website: []. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">To learn more about the great culture of Venezuela, please take a look at this site!