San Benito de Palermo and the Chimbangueles, Zulian heritage
The Government of Zulia declared the cultural heritage of the region the cult of San Benito de Palermo and the Chimbanguelesin an event held on Thursday, November 28 in the Sucre del Sur municipality of Lake Maracaibo, The Ministry of Culture reported in a press release of the state.
Through Decree No. 1,154, published in Official Gazette No. 5,667, state educational authorities were instructed and national and municipal authorities were urged to promote and disseminate the relevance of this cult in Zulian and national culture.
The celebration coincided with the commemoration of the 432nd anniversary of the Sucre municipality, recognized for its rich tradition, history and deep-rooted customs, among which the devotion to the drum and San Benito de Palermo stands out.
The day began with a thanksgiving mass, followed by a joint solemn session of the Legislative Council of the state of Zulia and the Municipal Council of Sucre. In this ceremony, the Secretary of Culture, Viviana Márquez, representing the governor Manuel Rosales Guerrero, He read the decree that makes this event official as Cultural Heritage of Zulia.
During the event, decorations such as the Rafael María Baralt Order in its only class were awarded to Funda Vasallos and Danzas Mamá Yaya for their 40 years of artistic career.
The news was received with enthusiasm by the population of Bobures, where this cultural tradition has endured for generations, uniting its inhabitants in the cult of the Black Saint. To the rhythm of the drums, they danced and expressed their gratitude for this distinction.
The cultural evening included the participation of Danzas Mamá Yaya, the Guarare Cultural Foundation and the Antañones de Bobures.
Márquez, head of Culture, highlighted that the cult of San Benito de Palermo reflects the identity of the town, founded on faith in San Benito and the deep religiosity of its inhabitants.
It is important to highlight that the cult of San Benito de Palermo is celebrated in various regions of Venezuela, having a special relevance in the South of Lake Maracaibo, where it is manifested through dances, clothing and tunes.
It has massive popular participation and careful performance of rituals during its patron saint festivities, which extend from December 25 to January 6 of each year.
The Chimbangueles, a musical-theatrical cultural expression that pays tribute to the Black Saint, emerge as a synthesis of ancient African cultures brought to Venezuela. With vibrant music and energetic dances, this demonstration radiates the strength and energy of this tradition, extending from the South of Lake Maracaibo to various places in Venezuela.
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