Festival

The World Poetry Festival

Initiated in 2002, this literary festival has managed to gain the attention of an intellectual target group all across the country. Popular, established poets, as well as upcoming ones from all around the Latin American region come together in this charming series of evening sittings, concerts, poetic displays and artworks, calligraphic exhibitions, and a host of related cultural activities. Might sound a bit dry to all the partygoers out there, but you would not believe the amount of people who turn up for participation in a literary sitting during this festival – Venezuelans love poetry!

City guide

Overview & visitor information

More festivals in Caracas

Keep exploring Caracas.

Explore all

caracas

Christmas time

Festival / event

The primary cheer of the year, Christmas marks for Caraqueños a taste of traditions fused with the local flair of merrymaking. Intended to be a purely ritualistic, formal event, Christmas is nevertheless celebrated with all the excitement of any other street festival, complete with singing, dancing, and pranks! Being a predominantly party-making city, Caracas witnesses the full force of the holiday season right from mid-December, when shoppers start filling up malls, and restaurants offer special deals for exclusive items on the menu. Churches conduct special masses that go on till January, and each weekend is marked with candle light processions and family dinners. On Christmas Day, groups of amateur carol singers go door to door to spread the good cheer. Take a walk out around a residential area in the mid-evening to see the lights, the people, and the costumes and props that drape the city with a serene surrealistic glow.

caracas

Independence Day

Festival / event

Venezuelans are a very sentimentally charged nation, and they hold their historic moments in high esteem. The 5th of July, the day when Venezuela gained independence from the Spanish Crown back in 1811, is regarded as a day of celebration, a day that is full of passionate chanting, singing anthems, decorating the streets with flags, and holding splendid parades. Every few minutes or so you are sure to witness a group of young bikers or excited schoolchildren running past you screaming "Viva Venezuela!" on the top of their lungs. Towards the evening, people start gathering around the major squares in the city to view performances by local artists that depict the centuries old culture and heritage of not only Caracas, but the whole country.

caracas

Carnival

Festival / event

A festival that draws in tourists and visitors to Caracas by the thousands, from all across South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean lands, Carnival is an event that gives new meaning to the phrase “partying hard!” Marked by noisy street processions, splendid decorative elements, parades with lavishly prepared floats, and in general hordes of adrenaline-charged locals and tourists jumping to the beats of heart-throbbing music, Carnival gradually increases in intensity and reaches its peak at Mardi Gras, a Tuesday. Live open-air concerts, street performances, amateur theatrics, all-night clubbing, and a general air of recklessness are the main highlights of this festival.

caracas

New Year's Day

Festival / event

Caraqueños just need an excuse to start shaking all over! Partying, singing, dancing, and going wild to the beats of music serve as the Fountain of Eternal Youth for this nation. New Year’s Eve makes no exception. From late afternoon you can see people scurrying all around town, eager to close down their businesses, get together a group of friends, and head to the most happening places around town – either the beach, that is swarming with other like-minded partygoers, or a more private retreat in nightclubs across the city. As a centuries old tradition, people bring homemade cloth or rag dolls and burn them at the stake – this represents forgetting the hardships and problems borne the previous year and preparing for a fresh new start. As midnight draws in, people head to the central square. Here an intense display of fireworks follows, amidst excited squeals from the audience, to welcome the New Year as the clock strikes midnight.

caracas

Fiesta de Nuestra Senora de La Candelaria

Festival / event

A revered religious celebration occurring during the first week of February that pays homage to the Virgin Mary, a highly esteemed religious icon in Latin American lands. This festival is marked with sober expressions of respect rather than zealous displays of passion. People from all over the rural suburbs gather around as the main churches in Caracas hold religious sermons, poetic and musical recitals, and folk songs and dances. As the festival draws to an end, people put up ceremonial candle lighting displays and decorate churches and homes with floral wreaths, giving a warm, blessed, motherly touch to the city.

caracas

Semana Santa

Festival / event

A somewhat milder festival compared to the general party-loving scene in Caracas, Semana Santa marks a week-long vacation season before Easter where families get together to spend quality time at homes, public parks, and, most commonly, at the beach, sunbathing. The week marks a series of venerated religious proceedings that commemorate significant events from the life of Christ, including the Crucifixion and Resurrection. Church plays re-enact these events in the presence of hundreds of dedicated followers. A series of feasts follows as the day’s more formal programs come to an end. This festival is also marked by empty office buildings, fully booked hotel rooms, and overcrowded public transportation, as most people get decreased work hours and so spend more time socializing.

caracas

Festival Internacional de Teatro

Festival / event

The International Theater Festival provides immense global recognition to Caracas. It is held every alternate April, and draws in crowds of intellectuals and students from all across Latin America, featuring theatrical performances by popular local as well as foreign actors. Venezuelan theatre arts have been flourishing over the years, and you can witness quite an impressive variety of plays that address regional and international social issues. The main events occur within the 4 major theatres in town, namely the Teatro Nacional, the Teatro Teresa Carreño, the Teatro El Paraíso, and the Ateneo de Caracas.

caracas

Vélorio de Cruz de Mayo

Festival / event

Originally a pagan festival, but modified according to Catholic Christian beliefs over the years, the May Cross Celebrations occur mid-May to welcome Spring, the season of good harvests, fertility, and life. Street processions mark this event, where people traditionally used to hold symbolic vigils to keep guard as Spring moves in, displaying their thankfulness for the blessings it brings. The vigil tradition is now fading out, being replaced by singing, dancing, and a general air of merrymaking as people get together on the streets to socialize. A rather charming highlight of this festival is the public buffet table – bring a homemade dish, place it on the table, and enjoy some of the delicacies brought in by others.

caracas

Festival de los Diablos Danzantes

Festival / event

Known as the Festival of the Dancing Devils, this is another pagan festival that originated in African dance methods but has been adapted to suit the religious and social lifestyle of Caraqueños. First, all hell breaks loose as citizens put on colorful costumes, usually red or other bright colors, and rush into the streets to dance to wild drum beats. Then, after all the energy has died down, they head to the church and line up to place solemn resolutions for their lives ahead, and pay generous donations as repentance for their sins. This is seen as a kind of voluntary exorcism, the expulsion of the devil’s energy from the human body. The festival honors the Corpus Christi tradition, and commemorates the ultimate victory of good over evil.

caracas

Natalicio del Libertador

Festival / event

The birthday of Simón Bolívar, Venezuela’s greatest celebrated hero, is observed on the 24th of July. A public holiday, the day is marked by ceremonial processions, art exhibitions concerning the life and works of Bolivar, and official political dinners at stately residences. This is a time for reminding oneself of the hardships the great leader had to bear in order to bring justice and liberty to the people of Venezuela. A general air of cheerfulness, thanksgiving, and patriotic energy fills the air.

More places in Caracas

Keep exploring Caracas.

Explore all

caracas

Plaza Bolívar

Attraction

The main public square in Caracas, dedicated to the man whose relentless struggles bought the nation independence. The plaza is large open space used frequently by the citizens for public gatherings, political processions, open-air festivals and concerts, and as the starting point of numerous annual parades. The plaza contains impressive monuments, including statues of Bolivar, and is surrounded by government buildings and offices, all echoing with colonial architectural accents.

caracas

What to do with Children in Tow

Activity

Caracas loves children! Apart from the many family-oriented public parks, like the Parque del Este and the Parque Los Caobos, which offer countless hours of fun with the lush landscaping, the serene water bodies, the alluring all-year-round floral displays, and the regularly organized family activities, the city contains two large public zoos that are also a big hit with Caraqueño children.

caracas

Museo Bolivariano

Attraction

Address: south of Plaza Bolívar Timings: Tuesdays to Fridays 9pm to 430pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 4pm. Admission free A museum dedicated to the legendary independence hero Simon Bolivar. Situated in a renovated colonial style building, the Bolivar Museum contains exhibits with historic documents, formal dresses from Bolivar’s era, a collection of weapons used during the colonial wars, and a number of paintings from the political and personal life of Simon Bolivar.

caracas

La Casa Natal de Simon Bolívar

Attraction

Address: between Esqs San Jacinto and Traposos Cathedral Phone: +28 212 541 2563 Timings: Tuesdays to Fridays 9am to 4pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 430pm. Admission free of charge This is the birthplace of El Liberator Simón Bolívar, the most highly esteemed national hero in Venezuela. It has been restored as a national museum with the utmost attention to detail. Constructed originally as a colonial style mansion in the 17th century but starting to undergo significant degradation over the years, the house has been completely restored and now functions as a permanent exhibition space that depicts scenes from the life of Bolívar and his family, including classic living room furniture, formal attires, banners and weaponry, and full-wall paintings.

caracas

Calvario Hill

Attraction

Address: Paseo El Calvario, Urbanización El Silencio, Caracas Timings: open daily 7am to 10pm Go for stroll though these lush gardens containing an enchanting chapel and a brilliant white stone arch, all of which were built to emulate the city of Paris. The park contains classical elements out of the gardens at Versailles, including delicate metalwork benches, gazebos, statues of eminent personalities, and fountains. Located on a hill overlooking the city, this is the ideal place to spend your last evening in the city as you sit back and take one last, lingering look at Caracas from above.

caracas

Elliptic Hall

Attraction

Constructed in 1872, and having serviced many administrative departments since, including the Federal Court, the Legislative Court, and currently acting as the Seat of Congress, the Capitol Building, also known as the Elliptic Hall, is a stunning whitewashed building with golden domes that today contains some of the most important legislative documents and manuscripts of the Republic of Venezuela. Although visitors are not allowed inside, they can observe the building for its traces of rich colonial legacy in the elements and embellishment techniques used. The building is an authentic architectural marvel from the regime of the Spanish monarchy.

caracas

Casa Amarilla

Attraction

Address: Centro, western edge of Plaza Bolívar Originally a prison cum sanitarium in the 17th century, Casa Amarilla is also known popularly as the Yellow House because of the shade of lemon yellow given to it after the country’s independence. Casa Amarilla is a treat to the eyes – or whatever you can catch of it today, as it is currently the Foreign Affairs office and visitors are generally not allowed inside. But get a glimpse of it as you pass the Plaza Bolívar, and you will see a very well-preserved example of a colonial manor with many small projecting balconies forming a rhythmic façade.

caracas

Capilla de Santa Rosa de Lima

Attraction

Address: west of Concejo Municipal, south of Plaza Bolívar This chapel marks the exact location where Venezuela was declared as an independent sovereign state in 1811 – although it took 10 more years for this goal to be achieved. However, the chapel has been held in high reverence ever since, and has recently been restored with classic décor and furniture from Venezuela’s cultural past. Great photo ops inside!

caracas

Panteón Nacional

Attraction

Address: north of Plaza Bolivar Timings: open daily (including holidays) Originally constructed as a majestic church, the National Pantheon was converted in 1874 to act as the last resting place for many of Venezuela’s prominent personalities, based on their outstanding achievements in fields of politics, warfare, social service, and education and science. The central, focal space within the pantheon is reserved for Simon Bolivar’s remains. The ceiling contains murals depicting scenes from Bolivar’s life. The body itself is contained within a sarcophagus of bronze housed within a polished marble niche, and the burial chamber reeks of immortal grandeur. More than a hundred other notable personalities are buried within the Pantheon, all the chambers designed with special attributes and elements that had significant symbolic meaning to the person buried within. Overall, the Pantheon is a genuine example of neo-colonial baroque style architecture, with pale pink paint, overly done columns, intricate arches, and grand cupola-topped towers.

caracas

Teatro Nacional

Attraction

Also known as the Municipal Theatre, this public amenity is a splendid work of art in itself. Since its first live performance in 1881, an opera that received national recognition, the theatre has successfully continued to lure music and art lovers to its rather commendable performances. The interior is ornamented in tones of opulent luxury, with velvets and fine silks and an added sprinkle of gold. A large central dome over the performance area attempts to re-create the ambience of a 19th century opera performance. The theater usually has one or more ongoing shows throughout the year, and you are sure to catch one any time you drop by. Splurge on traditional Venezuelan and South American ballets, musicals, and operas. Tickets are quite reasonable, and they are seldom sold out to the full.

More restaurants in Caracas

Keep exploring Caracas.

Explore all

caracas

Tarabish

Cuisine: Middle Eastern Address: Avenida Blandin, CC Mata de Coco, Chacao Phone: 212 266 9828

Photo unavailablecaracas

Pizza Zaina

Cuisine: Middle Eastern Address: Calle Mohedano, Chacao, Caracas Phone: 212 267 8320

Photo unavailablecaracas

Lebanon House

Cuisine: Lebanese Address: 1. Avenida Principal, C.C. Galero, Nivel P.B. Prados del Este. Padros del Este, Caracas3 Avenue, Los Palos Grandes 2. Nivel C-2. 1a. Etapa. C.C.C.T., Caracas Phone: 1. Tel: 212 976 3217 2. Tel: 212 740 4000

Photo unavailablecaracas

Beirut

Cuisine: Lebanese Address: Salvador de Leo Socarro Centro, Caracas Phone: 212 545 9367

Photo unavailablecaracas

Sahara

Cuisine: Middle Eastern Address: Avenida La Colina, C.C. Las Collinas, Los Samanes Phone: 212 944 3718

Photo unavailablecaracas

Damasco

Cuisine: Middle Eastern Address: Calle Guaicaipuro, CC Metropolitano, Nivel Superior, Chacao district Phone: 212 266 6695

Photo unavailablecaracas

Fenicia

Cuisine: Lebanese Address: 3 Avenue, Los Palos Grandes Phone: 212 285 9940 Timings: Daily 12noon to 11pm

Photo unavailablecaracas

Kafta

Cuisine: Middle Eastern Address: Avenue Sur, Centro Phone: 212 860 4230 Timings: Mondays to Saturdays 11am to11pm

caracas

Doña Caraotica

Cuisine: Local Address: Avenue Principal, Las Mercedes Phone: 212 993 0116 Timings: open 24 hours! A place to grab cheap but fulfilling arepas overflowing with meat, vegetable, fruit, or chicken fillings as per your taste, topped with an assortment of cheese types. You can also treat yourself to the variety of traditional soups, all spicy, all hot, and all oh-so-tasty. Specials on the menu include the mondongo stew (prepared with beef, served with sliced vegetables), and the favorite dish of the Caraqueños, the pabellon criollo, a serving of beef rice, topped with black beans. The service is polite and efficient, but may be a bit slow. However, the food is definitely worth the waiting time!

caracas

La Nueve Casa de los Chinos

Cuisine: Chinese Address: Avenue Baralt, Centro Phone: 212 481 0741 Timings: Mondays to Saturdays 11am to 4pm, 7pm to 11pm A small, relatively undiscovered Chinese eatery tucked away in the heart of the Central downtown area, with no apparent indications nearby to guide you to its authentic Oriental offerings. A very simple seating arrangement, with minimal attention to the details of interior décor, but Szechuan and Cantonese dishes that would keep you wanting to revisit it every time you get the craving for a Chinese meal. Saffron rice, eggplant casseroles, steaming stews, and seafood smeared with the spiciest of sauces make this diner a favorite spot for the Chinese population of Caracas – a clear indication of the authenticity that this place offers!