The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is a country of extraordinary diversity and abundant natural beauty. This land boasts majestic Andean peaks, preternatural plateaus, flora- and fauna-rich forests, lively cities and spectacular Caribbean beaches. Emerging from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830, Venezuela is home to the largest oil reserve in the world. Yet many of its people live in extreme poverty as an economic and political crisis has left the country virtually collapsed.
The mass migration of more than 6 million Venezuelans fleeing hyperinflation, oppression and limited access to food and medicine denotes Latin American history’s most significant migration crisis in a hundred years. A once-thriving nation, Venezuela struggles with a severe humanitarian and refugee crisis. Millions are hampered by financial troubles and multiple barriers to accessing legal status in other countries.
Casa de Venezuela was founded in 2004 to advance and promote the cultural heritage of Venezuela. Vice President Rossana Arteaga-Lopenza explained that its mission has evolved beyond preserving Venezuelan cultural heritage. The organization now also focuses on sharing information about the humanitarian emergency in Venezuela and partnering with other organizations to provide resources to newcomers and refugees.
“I want everyone to know that Venezuela has a vibrant cultural heritage that can be experienced through our unique and colorful traditions,” she said. “Venezuelans are positive, outgoing and friendly despite the struggles they face. I want others to understand Venezuelans coming into the U.S. are good people running away from uncertainty, violence, a shortage of food, medicine and essential public services.”
Venezuela is much more than an oil-rich country known for its populist government and beauty queens. Venezuela is home to magical places, fabulous food, beautiful music and welcoming, loving people. And while we should never lose sight of the country’s current situation, all major expressions of the nation’s social and cultural richness, natural beauty, and diversity should be celebrated and exalted.
If you or your organization want to join Casa de Venezuela’s efforts to aid Delaware’s Venezuelan population, contact Rossana Arteaga-Lopenza at arteagalopenza@gmail.com or visit www.casadevenezuela.net.