- Traditions and customs of the culture of the Miranda State
- 1- Dancing devils of Yare
- 2- Festivities of San Juan Bautista
- 3- May cross
- 4- Flower fairs
- 5- Religious and popular festivals of San Juan Nepuceno, Tapipa
- References
The culture of the Miranda state is an important part of the Miranda people, since the traditions and customs of a place are closely related to the history that the people of that area have lived.
It is important to know the history and meaning of each tradition in order to value and appreciate them properly, since traditional customs and acts usually narrate an event that has already happened.
Miranda state is one of the 23 states of Venezuela, being the second most populated after Zulia state. The most recent population estimate was 3,194,390 in mid-2016.
It also has the highest human development index in Venezuela, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Venezuela (Caracas).
Miranda is an important center for political, economic, cultural and commercial activities. The state is administered by a governor, and is subdivided into 21 municipalities, each under a mayor. It covers a total area of 7,950 km².
Traditions and customs of the culture of the Miranda State
1- Dancing devils of Yare
The dancing devils of Yare, also known as the dancing devils of Corpus Christi, is a folkloric manifestation that dates back to approximately 1747.
This tradition was created to thank the Blessed Sacrament for all the favors done, that is, it is a type of offering.
It is important to mention that the celebration of the dancing devils takes place in different places, but the best known is that of Yare and is one of the most important traditions of the Miranda state, which is why it was declared an Intangible Heritage and Asset of the Nation in 2003.
Annually, this celebration takes place every Thursday in Corpus Christi. Those participating in the dance dress in red and don demon masks.
The dance is divided into three parts. The first is the wake, followed by a dance before the mass and ending with a ritual after the ceremony, in which the dancing devils are communed and blessed.
2- Festivities of San Juan Bautista
The feast of San Juan Bautista is a celebration that takes place in many parts of Venezuela; one of the best known is that of Barlovento.
This festival lasts for three days, begins on June 23 with the eve of San Juan and ends on the 25 with the “closure” of San Juan. The predominant feature of this celebration is the drums.
3- May cross
On May 3 of each year a celebration is held to venerate the cross by improvising colorful altars with one or more crosses. They also sing or recite poetry to the cross. This tradition is carried out for reasons of devotion or health.
4- Flower fairs
This fair takes place mainly in Carrizal during the month of May. It consists of an exhibition and sale of a variety of flowers in which the floriculturists of the area participate. In addition, they perform dances to celebrate the month of flowers.
5- Religious and popular festivals of San Juan Nepuceno, Tapipa
Every May 16 the inhabitants of Tapipa hold a celebration to thank all the miracles performed by San Juan Nepuceno.
References
- Miranda (state). (November 27, 2017). Retrieved on December 8, 2017, from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (sf). Miranda. Retrieved on December 8, 2017, from Encyclopedaedia Britannica: britannica.com.
- Lugo, M. (sf). Miranda. Retrieved on December 8, 2017, from Travel & Tourism Venezuela: traveltourismvenezuela.wordpress.com.
- Dancing devils of Corpus Christi. (August 21, 2017). Retrieved on December 8, 2017, from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org.
- Feast of the Crosses. (August 24, 2017). Retrieved on December 8, 2017, from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org.