Happy Birthday, Venezuela!

Today, April 19th, 2010, was the bicentennial of the writing and approval of the first declaration of independence of Venezuela. However, it wasn't until July 5, 1811 that they were truly independent from Spain. The signing on April 19th was significant in part because it helped political revolutionaries like Simón Bolívar, who is very much revered even today, rise to fame and help Venezuela achieve true freedom from Spain. In fact, the country was even recently renamed "The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela" in his honor and the airport now carries his name as well. You can read more about the 19th of April here (it's in English).

Last night at 12:00AM, I awoke to loud booms and bangs and, in my sleepy stupor, was kind of worried. I mean, it's not every day that one awakes to such a racket. Then, on a hunch, I looked at my cell phone and saw "19 abril 2010" and "12:01AM." Then it hit me that it was just a celebration. I ran to look out the window and was able to capture it on my camera.

Then this afternoon, I went to a ceremony that was both commemorating the opening of a new public square/gathering area in the Chacao municipality and honoring the 200th anniversary of the signing of the first declaration of independence. A local orchestra rehearsed a few songs while we waited for the event to begin and a group of local musicians played Venezuelan folk music. The event was delayed as we waited for the guests of honor (the local mayors, political leaders, etc) to arrive. They eventually got there... with a parade!

The mayor of Chacao (on left) and the mayor of Caracas

The mayor of Caracas speaking

Unfortunately, soon after we were forced to run for cover when the heavens opened up on us. After the rains ceased, we returned to socialize a bit. That was when I got to meet a few councilmen, a radio show host and even the mayor of Chacao, Emilio Graterón! He treated me like an old friend and made me feel very welcome in his municipality. In fact, everyone I met was very open and friendly, even though I had never met them before and was obviously not Venezuelan. It was a great feeling.

Me and the mayor of Chacao!

So all in all, it was an exciting day here in Caracas, drama-free and positive. Cheers, Venezuela!