For nearly 25 years, Venezuela has been progressively moving towards a communist dictatorship. What began as a hopeful movement, primarily among the disenfranchised in support of Hugo Chavez — a populist military leader — eventually became a nightmare for the population. Not only did he change the constitution to ensure his ability to gain power, but he also implemented measures that ended up detrimentally affecting the economy. After being diagnosed as terminally ill, Chavez hand-picked his successor, Nicolás Maduro, a former bus driver, who guaranteed the continuation of Chavez’s destructive policies.
Shortly after inheriting the presidency, Maduro became increasingly autocratic, which has resulted in the endless suffering of the people. Over 7.7 million Venezuelans were forced to flee the country due to an erosion of civil liberties, such as ceasing political rights and ruining the checks and balances system, combined with shortages of food, medicine, essential services and uncontrolled violence. Despite years of repression and rigged elections, the 2024 presidential race provided a glimpse of hope. Large voter turnouts supporting opposition candidate Edmundo González exposed the blatant electoral fraud, proving González’s overwhelming victory, which was endorsed by the brave María Corina Machado and supported by international allies.
What once was the epitome of beauty is now obscured by violence, poverty and fraud. Rich history, oil wealth, various species, cultural diversity and astonishing landscapes have been replaced with a burden of sadness, desperation and hopelessness. Gleaming smiles that created welcomed wrinkles have transformed into unwanted frowns surrounded by tear stains. A nation that used to be envied is now pitied. The magical essence of Venezuela has been lost and forgotten, all due to its corrupt government. Yet, behind all the chaos, the destruction, the negativity, remain the whispers of its former magnificence.
No matter the damage, the captivating landscapes and attractions in Venezuela are ones nowhere else to be found. From paradisaic beaches such as Los Roques, Playa El Agua, Choroni, Mochima and Morrocoy to breathtaking prehistoric views of the Roraima Tepuis, the Angel Falls, the Andes Paramo in Merida and the majestic Avila, a plethora of charm unravels at every glance. The rainforests, savannas, rivers, grasslands and plains provide a home to a multitude of exotic species such as, Orinoco crocodiles with their intimidating grace, scarlet ibises flashing their blazing feathers, howler monkeys singing a sweet symphony, capybaras drifting through the river, crab-eating foxes creeping in the forest and giant otters bathing in the currents. All of these fascinations weave a vibrant tapestry of a flourishing ecosystem.
The enchanting Venezuela was the jewel of South America and among the 20th wealthiest nations as recently as in the 1970’s. This underestimated country is home to the largest oil reserves worldwide, with still over 300 billion barrels in place, which in the past funded the country’s development, including its world class roads, transportation infrastructure and numerous social programs that prioritized education and lifted millions of people out of poverty. Venezuelan workers enjoyed some of the highest wages in the region, a representation of the country’s once thriving prosperity. The nation was an escape for the thousands of people fleeing political and economic hardships in South America and Europe. It stood as a beacon of aspiration and success, admired by all who strived to accomplish similar greatness.
Venezuela’s decadent cuisine filled with unique flavors melts on the palate and transports one on an appetizing culinary journey. The freshly hand-molded arepa, its buttery richness oozing and carefully burning the fingers, stimulates no discomfort — only utter delight of savoring such a pure delicacy. The cheesy tequeños bursting with a homey flavor on the tongue achieves the perfect taste when paired with salsa guasacaca. This exquisite experience can be finished off by drinking a fizzy, crisp frescolita, which alleviates any lingering burns. Cachapas, perico, cachitos, pasticho, quesillo, tajadas and many more Venezuelan delicacies formulate an impeccably tailored menu that satisfies every preference.
The Venezuelan ambiance overflows with the lyrical and fiery melodies of Joropo, Gaita, Aguinaldo, Merengue and Baile de Tambor. These harmonious sounds are accompanied by the traditional dances that combine both precision and passion. The fusion of traditional music with classical dances tells the story of the country’s intricate history and culture and creates a much-needed sense of hope.
In San Antonio, where Hispanic descent runs deeply through the veins of over half of its residents, this is a call for awareness; to recognize the country that was, the country that Venezuelans are fleeing, an exodus that resonates with the entire Latin community. It is a summon for everyone to empathize, to rally, to raise their voices in support of those enduring the tragedy and darkness of dictatorships, while never dismissing or forgetting the vision of beauty that will one day be restored.
