Category: Highlights

Arreaza highlights unity as key to counteract the expansion of new right-wing movements

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Tegucigalpa, June 27, 2024.- Amidst the current political situation in Latin America and the Caribbean, the advancement of right-wing forces has become a matter of concern for progressive leaders. Therefore, this Thursday, the panel discussion “Rise of the far-right and new right-wing movements” was held as part of the CELAC Social meeting in Honduras. The […]

Tegucigalpa, June 27, 2024.- Amidst the current political situation in Latin America and the Caribbean, the advancement of right-wing forces has become a matter of concern for progressive leaders. Therefore, this Thursday, the panel discussion “Rise of the far-right and new right-wing movements” was held as part of the CELAC Social meeting in Honduras. The event featured important personalities and authorities from the region.

Gilberto Ríos, moderator of the panel discussion and representative of the Partido Libre of Honduras, recalled the attempted coup in Bolivia carried out on Wednesday by military forces.

“Military tanks were seen surrounding Plaza Murillo in La Paz, where the Executive and Legislative branches are located, an episode reminiscent of what happened previously with Evo Morales and the chaos and destabilization instigated by extremist factors in Venezuela in recent years.”

In this regard, Jorge Arreaza, Executive Secretary of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), emphasized the urgent need for unity to counteract the expansion of neoliberal policies by satellite governments of the United States, such as Javier Milei’s administration in Argentina.

Arreaza pointed out the importance of cooperation among countries in the region, highlighting that division only benefits conservative forces.

In his speech, he called on progressive and revolutionary leaders to unite under a common stand. “We have to stand to the south and to the left”, he stressed.

“We cannot allow internal differences to divide us and hand over our resources to imperialism”, he warned.

The Executive Secretary also referred to the crucial role played by social movements and citizens in this context. He emphasized that unity must be strengthened from the people’s grassroots, referencing historical movements and emblematic figures such as Bolívar, San Martín, and Fidel Castro, who advocated for regional integration.

“The project goes beyond individual differences and the day will come when all countries in the region are truly progressive,” Arreaza affirmed.

He reiterated that, without a doubt, China, Russia, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and countries in Africa are making progress in their own revolutions, aligning them into a single block, the global south.

“The BRICS are a fundamental alternative to this historical moment; they want to de-dollarize the economy, seek balance in a multipolar world. Hopefully one day Venezuela, Mexico, or Peron Argentina will join the BRICS.”

ALBA-TCP present at the 27th São Paulo Forum in Honduras

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Tegucigalpa, June 27, 2024 – This Thursday, the 27th São Paulo Forum was held in Honduras, within the framework of the 15th anniversary of the coup d’état in the Central American country. This event was attended by important figures and representatives from different political and social spheres of the region. The ALBA-TCP Executive Secretary, Jorge […]

Tegucigalpa, June 27, 2024 – This Thursday, the 27th São Paulo Forum was held in Honduras, within the framework of the 15th anniversary of the coup d’état in the Central American country. This event was attended by important figures and representatives from different political and social spheres of the region.

The ALBA-TCP Executive Secretary, Jorge Arreaza, Argentine activist Alejandro Rusconi, and Aída García-Naranjo, former Minister of Women and Vulnerable Populations of Peru, were some of the guests who participated in this event.

This day was marked by the inauguration of the 27th São Paulo Forum meeting, followed by a forum on the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and social justice. The latter event was attended by the Attorney General of Honduras, Manuel Díaz Galeas, and other prominent experts.

Additionally, debates were held on topics such as fiscal justice, the progressive horizon, the politicization of justice, the crisis of capitalism, social struggles, and imperialist interference in Latin America and the Caribbean. Topics like the rise of the far-right, new right-wing movements, education, regional unity, and indigenous and Afro-descendant struggles were also addressed in this meeting.

On June 28, the official events commemorating the coup d’état in Honduras will begin with the participation of President Xiomara Castro.

Also on the agenda were discussions on women’s resistance, with the presence of influential figures such as Rixi Moncada and Gloria Inés Ramírez, among other international guests.

The activities were scheduled to conclude on June 29 with a session of the Puebla Forum and a plenary session of the Social CELAC, thus concluding an event of great significance that seeks to promote dialogue and reflection on the political and social challenges of the region.

ALBA-TCP proposed debate on the World Social Alternative at the inauguration of the Social CELAC

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Caracas, June 27, 2024.- The Executive Secretary of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), Jorge Arreaza, attended on Thursday the inauguration of the second meeting of the CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), Social chapter, which was taking place until the 29th in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. […]

Caracas, June 27, 2024.- The Executive Secretary of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), Jorge Arreaza, attended on Thursday the inauguration of the second meeting of the CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), Social chapter, which was taking place until the 29th in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Likewise, Arreaza was present at the 27th São Paulo Forum, which was also taking place in that nation. The two events were held in the context of the 15th anniversary of the coup d’état in Honduras against the former President Manuel Zelaya.

Arreaza emphasized that the Alliance is open to all nations. “We are here to break the hegemony of the dollar; ALBA is not just for the 10 member countries, the spirit goes much further, it is in the social movements of Our America, in the people, in their communities.”

On the other hand, he pointed out that “the only way to be free and independent is by being united, there is no other way, we cannot do it alone, especially in a multipolar world that is emerging and demands that we establish ourselves as power poles.”

In this sense, he proposed to discuss at CELAC meeting and at São Paulo Forum, the proposal of the World Social Alternative, a document that was born in April of this year in Venezuela from social movements.

He explained that the World Social Alternative is a document that makes proposals in the areas of finance, international affairs, environment, health, housing, food, social protection, digital world, among others. “The idea is to create a common agenda (on all topics)”, added the Executive Secretary.

Finally, he emphasized that defeating the attempted coup in Bolivia, which was intended to be executed on Wednesday, June 26, is a great victory for ALBA.

Among other authorities, Rixi Moncada from the Partido Libre of Honduras, Manuel Zelaya, former Honduran president, Mónica Valente, executive secretary of São Paulo Forum; Emilio Lozada from the Communist Party of Cuba, were there.

Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda celebrated San Juan to the rhythm of Aragua drums

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Aragua, June 24, 2024.- Following the conclusion of the “Drums of ALBA: Beats of our identity” event, held from Thursday, June 20 to Sunday, June 23 at the Bolívar Square and Bolívar Theater in Caracas, the delegations from Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda continued their cultural tour in Aragua state. There, they participated in various […]

Aragua, June 24, 2024.- Following the conclusion of the “Drums of ALBA: Beats of our identity” event, held from Thursday, June 20 to Sunday, June 23 at the Bolívar Square and Bolívar Theater in Caracas, the delegations from Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda continued their cultural tour in Aragua state. There, they participated in various traditions to celebrate San Juan.

The agenda began with the reception of the delegation at Bolívar Square by Aragua representatives and a local drumming group. They then enjoyed the “disembarkation of San Juan,” an event that takes place along the waterfront promenade dedicated to the saint.

The visit continued with a tour through El Playón and La Boca, eventually reaching Ocumare de la Costa, where they took part in a parranda (party) at the house of San Juan, a celebration that lasts all day and night.

The stay of the Caribbean delegations concluded on Monday, as they accompanied the residents of Ocumare in a procession throughout the town, moving to the rhythm of San Juan drums.

The ‘Drums of ALBA’ event is presented as a cultural space created to strengthen the common identity among the peoples that make up the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP).

The event allowed for discussions on topics related to Caribbean identity, spirituality, culture, economy, and cultural tourism; and was attended by delegations from the countries that make up the bloc, Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Saint Lucia, African countries such as Benin and special guests.”

Caracas: stage of the cultural fusion of ALBA in San Juan festivities

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Caracas, June 24, 2024.- The Caracas parish of Antímano became the stage for two major international groups: “Disidentes” and “Wasafoli Drumming Group,” from Bolivia and Trinidad and Tobago respectively, who with the beat of the drum accompanied the celebrations of San Juan festivities on June 24. These groups, who have been in Venezuela since last […]

Caracas, June 24, 2024.- The Caracas parish of Antímano became the stage for two major international groups: “Disidentes” and “Wasafoli Drumming Group,” from Bolivia and Trinidad and Tobago respectively, who with the beat of the drum accompanied the celebrations of San Juan festivities on June 24.

These groups, who have been in Venezuela since last week and participated in the event “Drums of ALBA: Beats of our identity,” extended their stay to delight Venezuelans with good music in honor of this saint revered in different regions.

On Monday, the Bolivian and Trinidadian delegations arrived in Antímano, where they were warmly welcomed by the Sanjuaneros at Guzmán Blanco’s house. They then moved to the ‘María Madre del Pueblo’ Chapel in Mamera to participate in a mass in honor of San Juan Bautista, where prayers were offered and tributes paid.

After the mass, the celebration spilled into the streets of the neighborhood with a lively procession that ended in the Las Clavellinas sector. Along the way, musicians and cultural practitioners, along with local sanjuaneros, sang traditional songs, played instruments, and danced to the rhythm of Latin American and Caribbean drums.

The event “Drums of ALBA: Beats of our identity” brought together more than 400 participants, musical groups, and speakers from Venezuela, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Benin, Grenada, Bolivia, Colombia, Haiti, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, among other countries and special guests.

Drums of ALBA made La Guaira resound in honor of San Juan

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La Guaira, June 24, 2024.- To the sound of drums and with the joy typical of the San Juan festivities, La Guaira state, Venezuela, became a cultural epicenter led by important international groups. As part of the meeting “Drums of ALBA: Beats of our identity”, musical delegations from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, and […]

La Guaira, June 24, 2024.- To the sound of drums and with the joy typical of the San Juan festivities, La Guaira state, Venezuela, became a cultural epicenter led by important international groups.

As part of the meeting “Drums of ALBA: Beats of our identity”, musical delegations from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, and Saint Lucia filled the streets with color, rhythm, and tradition in a cultural exchange that strengthens the bonds of brotherhood among the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Since their arrival in Venezuela, they first made themselves felt in Caracas, and for the last two days, they toured different sectors of La Guaira, transmitting their energy and musical talent to the communities.

Each group had the opportunity to share their culture and devotion to Saint John through various activities. In the case of Drum Foundation from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, they began their journey in the morning with a mass in honor of the saint at ‘Nuestra Señora de Coromoto’ church, followed by a joyful tour of the town and a drumming session that resonated everywhere.

On the other hand, the delegation from Saint Lucia, composed of Skin Rhythm, began their day with a mass at ‘Chuspa Church’. They then took part in a community tour, the traditional “Crossing of Saints” with drumming, and opened a festival where they shared the stage with local artists.

The Haynesville Youth Club group from Barbados also made their mark by traveling to the town of Todasana. At noon, they joined the mass in honor of San Juan and brought all their drum beats that filled the streets of this popular town with joy.

Les Espoirs from Benin filled San Juan festivities in Puerto Cabello with rhythms

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Carabobo, June 24, 2024.- “Les Espoirs” from Benin filled San Juan festivities in the Venezuelan city of Puerto Cabello, Carabobo state, with their rhythm and tradition. The group, which arrived in Venezuela last week to participate in “Drums of ALBA: Beats of our identity” event, toured the streets of this city with great historical symbolism […]

Carabobo, June 24, 2024.- “Les Espoirs” from Benin filled San Juan festivities in the Venezuelan city of Puerto Cabello, Carabobo state, with their rhythm and tradition.

The group, which arrived in Venezuela last week to participate in “Drums of ALBA: Beats of our identity” event, toured the streets of this city with great historical symbolism for the country, to accompany these celebrations with their music and drum beats.

The Beninese delegation began their day with the traditional San Juan baptism in the Goaigoaza River, an ancestral ceremony symbolizing purification and spiritual rebirth. In this space, all participants dressed in white immersed themselves in the river waters to receive the saint’s blessing.

Subsequently, the “Les Espoirs” visited San Juan de Goaigoaza to delve into the history and significance of this emblematic place in the celebrations of Saint John the Baptist. During this tour, delegation members had the opportunity to interact with locals and get a close look at their customs.

In the afternoon, the delegation moved to San Juan Vencedor, where they joined the celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of this cultural space. In this context, the Beninese group provided a colorful performance where they delighted the audience with their music and traditional dance, filling the atmosphere with rhythm and joy.

The encounter “Drums of ALBA: Beats of our identity” brought together more than 400 participants, musical groups, and speakers from Venezuela, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Benin, Grenada, Bolivia, Colombia, Haiti, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, among other countries and special guests.

Drums of ALBA in Miranda were a symbol of cultural integration

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Miranda, June 24, 2024.- This Monday the attendees of the ‘Drums of ALBA: Beats of our Identity’ festival began a journey through different states of Venezuela to learn about the tradition surrounding the celebration of San Juan, which is commemorated every June 24 in the Bolivarian nation. The delegation from Grenada and Cuba, member countries […]

Miranda, June 24, 2024.- This Monday the attendees of the ‘Drums of ALBA: Beats of our Identity’ festival began a journey through different states of Venezuela to learn about the tradition surrounding the celebration of San Juan, which is commemorated every June 24 in the Bolivarian nation.

The delegation from Grenada and Cuba, member countries of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), experienced up the beating of the culo e’ puya, mina, and quitiplás drums in Curiepe and Tapipa in Miranda state, Venezuela.

This tradition in Miranda began with a mass, followed by the ringing of 12 bells at noon, and then, they danced with the saint throughout the town. The drums do not stop playing until June 25, when San Juan is once again guarded by his custodians.

From the monument in Curiepe, Reinaldo Echemendía, researcher and director of the Folkloric Ballet of Camagüey, Cuba, expressed: “We have come here to Venezuela by the invitation of Drums of ALBA (…) Our drums from Camagüey integrate the indigenous cultures of Cuba and the entire region.”

He assured that visiting Curiepe and participating in the ALBA Drums Encounter “is going to the core, going to the root, to the humility of the people, knowing the drum as an indispensable element of uniting all present cultures.”

“The drum represents a concept of integration and a concept of inclusion,” he concluded.

San Juan de Tapipa

Subsequently, the representatives of Grenada and Cuba visited Tapipa, also in Miranda, where the dance of San Juan captivated them with its ancestral rhythms.

The Drums of ALBA celebration brought together musical groups from more than 13 countries in the regional bloc, Africa, and the Caribbean in Venezuela from June 20 to 23.

As part of the agenda of the meeting, visits to Miranda, La Guaira, Carabobo, states, among others, were included in conjunction with the celebration of San Juan Bautista.

Day of Spiritual Revolution in Caracas promotes cultural integration of ALBA countries

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Caracas, June 22, 2024 – A walk accompanied by songs and a procession for the Day of the Spiritual Revolution in Caracas was held this Saturday, becoming part of the program for the “Drums of ALBA: Beats of our Identity”, which coincided with the festivities of the Afro-Venezuelan people. The procession started on Urdaneta Avenue […]

Caracas, June 22, 2024 – A walk accompanied by songs and a procession for the Day of the Spiritual Revolution in Caracas was held this Saturday, becoming part of the program for the “Drums of ALBA: Beats of our Identity”, which coincided with the festivities of the Afro-Venezuelan people.

The procession started on Urdaneta Avenue in the Venezuelan capital and continued to Plaza Bolívar, where the Sanjuanera musical and artistic groups were joined by groups from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP). They were received by Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, Foreign Minister Yván Gil, the Executive Secretary of the Alliance, Jorge Arreaza, and authorities from the capital as well as the Legislative Council of Libertador municipality.

During the protocol ceremony, Delcy Rodríguez stated that the language of the drum is the language of the countries of the Alliance, of Latin America, and of Africa. “May these drums constantly fight against the impositions of the north, may the drums sound for the construction of a new, respectful, multilateral world.”

Rodríguez added “A world where the drum rejects imperial aggressions, where colonialist countries find the message of freedom in the drums”.

Similarly, ALBA Executive Secretary, Jorge Arreaza, stated that colonization attempted “to impose a God and his saints to dominate us, but our people took those saints to liberate us, and that is where San Juan stands.”

Arreaza highlighted that the Drums of ALBA Festival brought together more than 13 countries from the Caribbean, Africa, and Latin America. “We hope to hold this gathering every year,” he explained, while thanking the government of President Nicolás Maduro for the support provided for this event.

Living culture

Danniellys Angulo, President of the Legislative Council of Libertador municipality, thanked ALBA-TCP for this event because “it keeps our culture alive.”

She noted that the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, continues to keep the nation’s cultural legacy alive, just as Commander Hugo Chávez did.

Similarly, María Laura Castillo, a traditional performer from Caracas, recalled that the country’s culture is part of the construction of knowledge, and each festivity is an ancestral rebellion against the colony.

“Spirituality in rebellion is nothing more than festive poetry, and now it is brought to the State through policies and laws”, Castillo stated.

Manuel Moreno, creator and director of the Herencia Group, emphasized that the peoples must be united in spirit and body. “Here a free country exists, and today we redouble the drums so that they are heard around the world,” he highlighted.

Moreno proposed to the Venezuelan Head of State to declare May 25th as Drum’s Day in Venezuela.

To conclude the event, the Venezuelan authorities and ALBA Executive Secretary, Jorge Arreaza, awarded the Good Citizen Prize, as well as decorations and recognitions to the Sanjuaneros and representatives of the cultural movements.

On June 24th, Venezuela celebrates San Juan Bautista, and these religious and cultural celebrations will be known by the musical groups that came to the ‘Drums of ALBA: Beats of our Identity’.

Economy and cultural tourism resounded at Drums of ALBA Festival

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Caracas, June 21, 2024.- The session of presentations at the ‘Drums of ALBA: Beats of our identity’ event, which is taking place in Venezuela from June 20 to 23, concluded this Friday with the conference on Economy and Cultural Tourism. The speaker, Reinaldo Echemendía, a researcher and director of the Camagüey Folkloric Ballet (Cuba), thanked […]

Caracas, June 21, 2024.- The session of presentations at the ‘Drums of ALBA: Beats of our identity’ event, which is taking place in Venezuela from June 20 to 23, concluded this Friday with the conference on Economy and Cultural Tourism.

The speaker, Reinaldo Echemendía, a researcher and director of the Camagüey Folkloric Ballet (Cuba), thanked the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) for organizing this gathering, as it is an ideal space for synchronizing the cultural expressions of the region.

Echemendía recalled the words of Commander Fidel Castro, who asserted that culture is the first element that must be saved.

He also emphasized that culture is indispensable for the development of nations, as well as tourism. He mentioned that this economic activity was essential for combating the blockade imposed by the United States. “It is a culture of tourism; tourism is the culture of our people”, he stated.

Culture as a pillar

Mónica Mancera, a Venezuelan music producer and member of the group Herencia, highlighted that Cuban culture has greatly influenced the artistic identity of all of America and the Caribbean.

In the context of Venezuela, Mancera indicated that culture “in our homeland was a complement, whereas today it is an important pillar, so much so that there is a law of culture”.

She considered that the creation of the Gran Misión Viva Venezuela, which supports and strengthens culture “allows all of us to embrace each other.”

The presentation also featured words from Roselyn Paul, a cultural researcher and former Minister of Trade and Culture of Dominica, who thanked the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) for organizing this celebration.

In her opinion, such events strengthen the identity of each country and foster integration.

This Friday, the ‘Drums of ALBA’ will continue with musical performances at Plaza Bolívar in Caracas.

Attendees will be able to enjoy the drum beats of groups such as Madera (Venezuela), Disidentes (Bolivia), Camagüey Folkloric Ballet (Cuba), Haynesville Youth Club (Barbados), Wasafoli Drumming Group (Trinidad and Tobago), among others.