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Venezuela’s Natural Beauty: Región Oriental Posted by Anais on Mar 31, 2021
“Oriente” in Venezuelan speak is still today synonymous with flavorful fish dishes, delicious musical rhythms, and holidays on the beaches of any of the five states constituting what is known as “Región Oriental”, lit. Eastern Region: Anzoátegui, Monagas, Sucre, Nueva Esparta and Delta Amacuro. This eco-region is recognized by its eye-catching coasts, relaxing spots, and…
Venezuela’s Natural Beauty: Región Capital Posted by Anais on Mar 23, 2021
In unprecedented times like these, with lockdown and transportation restrictions making all kinds of travel very difficult for all, it is still a real challenge to just forgo being an avid tourist traversing the world in search of new places and adventures. So, it is my pleasure to use my blog to bring you closer…
Rhythms of Latin America: Bachata Posted by Anais on Feb 25, 2021
There is a name that is today a synonym of modern Latin dance: bachata, which goes hand in hand with salsa and merengue as the high representatives of Latin American pop music all around the world. Where did bachata come from? It was born in the Dominican Republic’s countryside during the first half of the…
Rhythms of Latin America: Rock en Español Posted by Anais on Jan 29, 2021
If there is one music style that was popularized like lightning throughout the 20th century everywhere in the Spanish-speaking world, that would definitely be the rock genre, one that is known today as an unmistakable part of the popular culture from Spain and Latin America. Rock became widespread known to Hispanics from the 1950s onward…
Rhythms of Latin America: Merengue Posted by Anais on Jan 27, 2021
To talk about merengue is to talk about a Caribbean music genre with an irresistible power to draw everyone—from Caracas to New York—to the dancefloor. With its roots deep within the Dominican Republic’s colonial past, merengue emerged near the midpoint of the 19th century as a staple of the rural class expanding to the country’s…
Rhythms of Latin America: Gaita Zuliana Posted by Anais on Dec 28, 2020
The gaita is one of the most important components of Venezuela’s musical heritage, as it has been representing since decades two very distinctive elements: the Zulian culture as a whole and the nationwide celebration of Christmas and the New Year’s Eve. As is the case for other Latin-American genres, Zulian gaita’s history began as a…
Rhythms of Latin America: Tango Posted by Anais on Dec 21, 2020
To talk about tango is to plunge into a rhythmic, intimate journey from Argentina and Uruguay to the rest of the world. Tango was born as a social dance at the end of the 19th century from the slums of Buenos Aires and Montevideo. As many other Latin American musical styles, it was nurtured by…