Elements of Venezuelan National Identity
National Identity
The set of common elements that identify a nation and unite all citizens who make up a country. These elements define the nationality and the sense of relevance of a state.
We must accept that a citizen’s identification with their respective nation is more than a feeling. It comes with deep knowledge of each of their values and grows as you begin to know these values.
Venezuela: A Multicultural and Multiethnic Country
In the case of Venezuela, the indigenous people of the area had their customs, lifestyles, religion, folklore, and other elements of their lifestyle. But with the arrival of the Spaniards, then Africans, each with their customs and cultural elements, there was a coupling phase and the imposition of customs, which the indigenous people had to accede to. As a result of this stage, there was a mixture from the ethnic and cultural point of view. The entire process of a nation is born due to several customs and a great diversity of races, which is reflected in the variety of customs.
Main Elements of the Venezuelan National Identity
The Story:
A people without a past is a people without history. This element of history that was forged makes itself known as what now exists as a country, its struggles and battles fought in the territory of the country to achieve Freedom and Justice. This gives access to the thinking and work of Venezuelans who are known as Los Libertadores de Venezuela.
The Territory:
The territory of Venezuela is, as stated in Article 10 of the Constitution, “which belonged to the Captaincy General of Venezuela before the political transformation begun on 19 April 1810, with the changes arising from treaties and awards arbitral null and void …”
Symbols:
Symbols represent the autonomy and official nationality. They identify and distinguish countries from others.
- In Venezuela, the National Anthem was declared on May 25, 1881, under the government of Antonio Guzmán Blanco.
- The Coat of Arms was created in 1810 and has undergone several transformations over time. The last change was in 2006.
Music and Dance:
It is one of the most representative elements of identity and nationalism in the country. Due to the different types of geographies that exist: plains, the Andes, coast, forests, the music that dominates the country is varied. Thus, according to the zone type, there is a type of music itself, representative of the customs.
The fact that Venezuela is a country where the variety of races and geographies coexist allows for the variety of rhythms, tastes, and sounds. Each and every one of these styles of music, with different versions, allows the identification of each individual as a Venezuelan. No doubt the style of music that Venezuelans are projected on the outside is what is called Venezuelan music, which is synonymous with llanera music. This is popular with instruments like the harp, maracas, and the Cuatro, which give that touch of originality to Venezuelan music. This, along with the typical dance known as the Joropo, attracts the attention of locals and foreigners to the country.
Language:
Considered another element that identifies a nation, and sometimes sets it apart from other cultures. Before the arrival of the Spanish in Venezuela, indigenous peoples had their own language or dialect, but with changes in the country and the evolution of society, these languages became part of the small indigenous settlements that could survive in the territory.
The official language of the country is Castilian, but the current Constitution recognizes and formalizes indigenous languages as official languages for indigenous peoples. They must also be respected and recognized throughout the territory of the Republic, as stipulated in Article 9 of the Constitution. Among the indigenous languages are the Arawak, Caribe, peasant, Yanomami, Yucpa, bari, Wayuu, and anu.
Religion:
Currently, a large percentage (over 60%) of the people of Venezuela belong to and practice the Catholic religion. However, with the passing of the years, other religious groups, such as Orthodox or Protestant, have been entering the country, and many Venezuelans have joined them. This is what is called Freedom of Religion, as enshrined in Part III, referred to as Civil Rights, article 59 of the Constitution. The religious element is an extremely important aspect of Venezuelan culture, and it is where the people find hope, encouragement, and strength to continue and face the different situations that life presents.
Architecture:
This element is a sign of patriotic feeling. The buildings of the past reflect the lifestyle of those times. Examples of these great historic buildings are represented among others by:
- The Cathedrals of many states in the country, such as Caracas, Píritu, Maracay
- The Historical Museum of San Mateo
- The Campo Carabobo monument
- The headquarters of the National Assembly
- The National Pantheon
- La Casa Natal del Libertador in Caracas
- The house where he signed the Decree of War to Death in the city of Trujillo
Cuisine:
Within the gastronomy are the familiar traditional dishes, which are recognized throughout the nation. Among the most popular dishes inside and outside our borders are: the popular Arepa, the Hallaca, the Cachapa, the Reina Pepiada, the Pabellón Criollo, and the various empanadas.