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Venezuela is located in South America and borders the Atlantic and Caribbean sea. In the northeastern part of Venezuela you have the Andes mountains while in the southeast you have the Guiana highlands. The government running Venezuela is meant to be a federal republic but right now is a dictatorship. Economic issues are directed to the central government who handle the economy. They are mainly over the production and distribution of goods. The currency that is used in Venezuela is Bolivar Fuertes. On the topic of money, Venezuela is experiencing the worst economic depression that country has ever seen. Caracas is the capital of Venezuela and the official language through out the country is Spanish. 96% of the Venezuelan population is Roman Catholic while 2% are Protestant and the last 2% are practicing other religions. Venezuela's biggest trading partner is the US. We hold 39% of their exports and take up 36% of their imports as of 2016. Finally, the population of Venezuela is about 30,518,260 as of 2023.

citations: (“Venezuela - Market Overview | Export.gov.” Www.export.gov, www.export.gov/article?series=a0pt0000000PAz1AAG&type=Country_Commercial__kav.)

(“GlobalEDGE.” Msu.edu, 2019, globaledge.msu.edu/countries/venezuela.)

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Superstition is very important in Venezuela and this is especially shown on new years. On New years eve there are different traditions done to bring luck with you to the next year. Some of their traditions include wearing red underwear if love is something you desire in the next year or if travel is what you want then go outside with your luggage. There are many other traditions like these. Another thing that Venezuelans look forward to is when the clock turns to midnight, the bells on the Cathedral of Caracas ring twelve times. New Years is followed with many other traditions and celebrations.

citations: (“FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS and MAJOR EVENTS in VENEZUELA.” Www.world-Festivals.net, www.world-festivals.net/venezuela/venezuela-festivals.htm.)

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October 12 is dedicated to honor Indigenous Resistance. In 2002 Venezuela decided to break the tradition of celebrating Columbus's "discovery" . This lead to the start of honoring those who were apart of the anti-Spanish resistance and contributed in slowing down the Spanish Conquest. Not only do they honor the memory of them, they also pay homage to the indigenous population and their culture, history, and struggle. It's a chance for the Venezuelans to learn more about their roots and the roots of their country. Some of the groups of indigenous people include the Wayuu, Yanomami, Mariché, Bare, Pemon, and Piarroa. Indigenous Resistance day honors the Indigenous population who fought hard and struggled in order to maintain their identity.

citations: (“Indigenous Resistance Day | Diversity Atlas.” Diversityatlas.io, diversityatlas.io/events/indigenous-resistance-day/. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.)

(“Venezuela´S Indigenous Resistance Day.” Www.culturalsurvival.org, www.culturalsurvival.org/news/venezuelas-indigenous-resistance-day.)

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Dia de la Raza (now known as Indigenous Resistance day) is an important day and celebration in Venezuelan culture. They throw big fiestas, parades, dances, and even bullfights. Food is also a big part of the celebration of this day. Many different cuisines are eating and some of which being Tamales and the Trinidad pastille. Tamales are a wrapped cornmeal dough then cooked with corn and other vegetables. Another popular dish is Trinidad pastille which is many different varieties of seasons and meat that are wrapped in a banana leaf then cooked. Along with the big parades there are many games in the streets. Their decorations are amazing too with streamers, piñatas, and more. This day is set aside to honor the sacrifice that the Indigenous people made to slow the Spanish conquest and maintain their cultural identity.

citations:(Long, Peyton, and Shelby Cerda. El Dia de La Raza.)

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As I learn more about the holidays celebrated in Venezuela around this time of year I find many comparisons between the things I do around this time. One of the biggest similarities is New Years. In Venezuela they throw big parties and close to the same way I have parties and traditions. My traditions are very different then those in Venezuela. Superstitions are really big for them but not for me. Instead of doing those things to bring luck with me, I like to right my goals to help me better myself going into the new year. As for Indigenous Resistance day, I do not celebrate but I am intrigued by it and glad I got to learn more about it. When researching other cultures and their holidays it is interesting to see where they overlap and where there is new territory.

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(Long, Peyton, and Shelby Cerda. El Dia de La Raza.)

(“Venezuela´S Indigenous Resistance Day.” Www.culturalsurvival.org, www.culturalsurvival.org/news/venezuelas-indigenous-resistance-day.)

(“FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS and MAJOR EVENTS in VENEZUELA.” Www.world-Festivals.net, www.world-festivals.net/venezuela/venezuela-festivals.htm.)

(“Indigenous Resistance Day | Diversity Atlas.” Diversityatlas.io, diversityatlas.io/events/indigenous-resistance-day/. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.)

(“Venezuela - Market Overview | Export.gov.” Www.export.gov, www.export.gov/article?series=a0pt0000000PAz1AAG&type=Country_Commercial__kav.)

(“GlobalEDGE.” Msu.edu, 2019, globaledge.msu.edu/countries/venezuela.)

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