Rhythmic music and flamboyant dancers marked Venezuela's 201st anniversary of Independence in celebrations held recently at the San Fernando West Secondary School. The event, organised by the teachers and students of the San Fernando branch of the Venezuelan Institute, was attended by Venezuelan Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Maria Eugenia Marcano Casado and other officials from the embassy.
The room, decorated in the colours of the national flag of Venezuela-red, yellow and blue, mirrored the colour of choice worn by of the many guests. The ambience was enhanced by the display of artefacts, including a replica of the golden sword of liberator and military leader Simon Bolivar, plus a cultural offering from the band Trapiche Ensemble from Barinas of Venezuela and flamboyant dancers Donna Cassiani and Yan Carlos Alvarez.
The ambassador also presented a gift to former teacher Yola de Figaro for her long-standing and dedicated 18 years service to the San Fernando branch of the Venezuelan Institute. A delectable menu, comprising Spanish and T&T cuisine, completed the celebrations. On July 5, 1811 the congress of Venezuelan provinces adopted and signed the Venezuelan Declaration of Independence, marking the point when Venezuelans decided to break away from the Spanish Crown and establish a new nation.
