Tailor Made Holidays in Venezuela: In the News

El Callao festival in Venezuela: 25-02-2008

Each February Venezuela celebrates its biggest carnival in El Callao which features traditional dancers and local history.

Black tradesmen used to dress up as kings, queens, jesters and regal figures to mimic the people importing their goods from Trinidad and the tradition of dressing up and dancing has continued in today's festival.

The Madamas who wear costumes based on traditional styles from Guadeloupe and Martinique accompany devils with graphic head masks and the black painted Mediopinto.

Travellers should be wary of the Mediopinto who paint anyone who does not give them donations!

The mixing of colours is a significant part of the festival as it represents the racial and cultural combinations that make the carnival so vibrant.

El Callao has been a meeting place for adventurers searching for gold for many years and the carnival began as a chance for labourers in the gold mines to let off some steam and enjoy themselves.