El Callao Carnival is one of the most popular festivals in Venezuela that bring Venezuelans together. El Callao is a small town in the country that hosts this four-day event that honors the area's rich history. El Callao is a mining town filled with immigrants who arrived centuries ago, making it a melting pot of cultures.

During the event, there is a lot going on. The parade is led by dancing madamas wearing colorful African headdresses. There are also the medio-pintos, who are black-painted on their bodies and make fun of onlookers.

Takes place: February

People will take the day to honor the two apostles, who are major figures in Christianity, at the Festival of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

This festival honors both Saint Peter and Saint Paul's sacrifices with a vibrant gathering that combines music, dance, and folklore. On the night before the festival, bonfires are lit along the highways throughout the province. Locals dress in traditional attire and dance on every street corner. Empanadas, yuca, and tajadas are among the delectable street foods available.

Takes place: June 29

Diablos Danzantes Devil Dance Festival upholds a historic local tradition that dates back to the 18th century. This Venezuelan festivity takes place in Corpus Christi once a year in the city of San Francisco de Yare. The participants, who are dressed in scarlet capes with crosses and a devil mask, dance in a circle to the beat of loud drums. The stream of colorful dancers will flood the streets as they make their way to the chapel. The eerie throngs then take to the stage in the town's central square. They parade through the streets, adorned with rosary beads, crosses, and maracas, to the rhythm of terrifying musical lyrics.

Visit the Casa de Los Diablos Danzantes, which houses a collection of old images and relics from the festival, to see how the celebration has evolved through time. You can even construct your own mask; a few days before the celebration, visit the shop-lined arcades on Calle Rivas to find a plethora of vendors prepared to assist.

Takes place: May to June

The Festival of Virgen de Coromoto, a jubilee in honor of Venezuela's patroness, the Virgin of Coromoto, is a must-see event.

As she walked angelically on water, the lovely virgin is claimed to have appeared as an ethereal vision, pleading for the world to be baptized. During the occasion, a large net is paraded through the streets into which members of the public are eagerly hurled, symbolizing the lives that are considered to have been saved through the introduction of baptism procedures.

Takes place: September

Another one on the list of the most popular festivals in Venezuela is Fiesta de San Juan. The festival, primarily a Christian event commemorating the birth of St. John the Baptist, lasts three days and features African drums resonating throughout Venezuela's coastal cities.

On the second day of the event, a solemn liturgy is held, during which participants wave colored handkerchiefs and chant improvised lines to the rhythm of the drums. Late at night, when sensual dances incorporating passionate and personal motions are popular, the heat rises again. The festivities come to a close on "the glorious night of San Juan," the final evening, when revelers celebrate until late the next morning.

Takes place: June

This four-day festival, perhaps even more than Christmas and Holy Week, is the most anticipated period of the year in Venezuela. This Venezuelan traditional event brings families together to rejoice with a musical extravaganza. This annual carnival commemorates the beginning of Christian Lent. Visitors can observe creative individuals combining art and bright fantasy in the streets of Carúpano, similar to Mardi Gras. They dress in a variety of outfits, including the royal court's traditional clothing and robes. The festival is also known for its colorful floats and street celebrations.

Carúpano Carnaval is a music and movement spectacle that attracts over 400,000 visitors each year. Expect throbbing steel drums, rhythmic salsa sounds, and rum streaming in every direction if you're coming here for the festival. The festival, which was recently designated as an official Event of Regional Tourist Interest, takes place 40 days before Easter and lasts four days. The carnival is known for its extravagant floats and street festivities, but the women in their brightly colored and ornately designed costumes steal the show.

Takes place: February to March

For Roman Catholics, Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a significant period. Many Roman Catholic countries around the world, including Venezuela, are best visited during Semana Santa. A variety of unusual feasts, events, and religious performances will keep you delighted throughout the festival. This mix of religious observance and revelry is common across the remainder of South America.

Beginning on Palm Sunday with the blessing of palm leaves in Chacao, Caracas, Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a massive event that sends Venezuela's capital city into a frenzy. A massive procession snakes from the Basilica de Santa Teresa to Plaza Caracas, and dramatic performances reenacting Jesus' betrayal draw large crowds. In commemoration of this festival, events are held around the country, so visitors can join in the fun even in small places. The week comes to a close with the ceremonial burning of the Quema de Judas, a massive effigy of Judas.

Takes place: March to April

Maracaibo, Venezuela's bustling capital, goes all out to celebrate Feria de la Chinita. This Venezuelan holiday and festival commemorate the Virgin of Chiquinquirá's carnival day. The 10-day event is led by a gorgeously costumed festival queen. Parades, music, games, and folklore legends are also featured. A well-known Gala of Beauty is conducted, which is a beauty pageant that attracts a large number of local contestants.

Takes place: November

Visit Venezuela during the Christmas season to take part in a variety of celebrations that provide a unique experience that contrasts with the Western Yuletide concept. San Benito was the son of slaves and was also known as el Moro, or the Moor. He has now been raised to the status of Venezuela's black saint, a concept reflected in the festival's beautifully embellished costumes and passionate dancing.

Once a year, at the end of December, in Venezuela, a two-day event honoring San Benito de Palermo is held. From Christmas Eve through New Year's Day, the parties stretch for more than a week. During the festival, you'll see spectacular costumes and energetic dancing. Men, women, and children dress up as San Benito, their patron saint, and parade through town with their faces painted black.

Takes place: December

Last but not least, you should not miss Innocent’s Day as it deserves to be one of the most popular festivals in Venezuela.

Originally a day to commemorate King Herod's infanticide, Da de Los Inocentes, or "Innocent's Day," has lost its frightening implications and has evolved into a fun and games event in Venezuelan culture. The day, which is observed across the country, is marked with elaborate practical jokes akin to April Fools Day in the United Kingdom. During the event, phony news bulletins are frequently carried on South American news networks, while newspapers print stories made solely of comic strips.

Takes place: 28 December