Festival of San Juan

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