Traditions of Caracas
The Venezuelan capital, with a Christmas of hallacas, aguinaldos and the Dancing Devils of Yare.
Caracas is a valley city beneath the Ávila mountain. Venezuelan traditions blend Indigenous, African and Spanish culture, with a rich Christmas season. Hallacas, corn dough parcels with stewed meat wrapped in banana leaf, are made by whole families before Christmas. The Dancing Devils of Yare, a Corpus Christi custom, is recognised by UNESCO.
Aguinaldos and the devils
From December, groups sing aguinaldos, carols with cuatro and maracas, at doors, and a Mass of dawn, the Misas de Aguinaldo, is held at the break of day, to which people go on roller skates in Caracas. The Diablos Danzantes de Yare, men in red devil masks and rattling, dance in the streets and kneel before the church.
At the table
Pabellón criollo, shredded beef with black beans, rice and plantain, is the national dish. Arepas, griddled corn cakes, are filled with cheese or meat. Hallaca, pan de jamón and ensalada de gallina are served at Christmas. Papelón con limón, a cane sugar drink, and ron are served.
Signature traditions of Caracas
Also part of it, and being written: Hallaca (The parcel.), Dancing Devils of Yare (The devils.), Pabellón criollo (The dish.), Arepa (The corn cake.).
A trail idea for Caracas
- Plaza Bolívar See the centre.
- Mercado de Chacao Eat arepas.
- Ávila National Park Hike the mountain.
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, markets and festival dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.