The 2010 Latin American bicentennial celebrations closed with Venezuela’s commemoration. Venezuela’s bicentennial is a nationwide celebration that began with a military parade and street parties in April 2010 and will end on July 5, 2011.

[AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE]

The 2010 Latin American bicentennial celebrations closed with Venezuela’s commemoration. Venezuela’s bicentennial is a nationwide celebration that began with a military parade and street parties in April 2010 and will end on July 5, 2011. During this period, Venezuelans will remember the country’s revolution on April 19, 1810, and the Independence Declaration on July 5, 1811. Although Francisco de Miranda is recognized as a leader in Venezuela’s struggle for independence, the nation’s sovereignty was achieved when Simón Bolívar, known as The Liberator (El Libertador), won the Battle of Carabobo against Spanish troops on June 24, 1821.

Venezuela Offers to the World:

Petroleum - It ranks among the top 10 crude oil producers in the world.

Tourism - Angel Falls, in the country’s Grand Savannah region, is the world’s tallest waterfall.

[AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE]

Culture - The national musical instrument is the cuatro, which is a type of guitar and uses four strings. The cuatro is one of the instruments used to accompany Venezuela’s national dance, Joropo. This dance is similar to the waltz with hand turns and foot movements.

Sports - The country’s most popular sports are baseball and soccer.

Beauty - The country has had six Miss Universe, five Miss World and five Miss International triumphs.

[AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE]

Delicacies - Arepas are a traditional Venezuelan dish made from corn flour, water and salt. They can be eaten with seafood, chicken, meat or cheese. Cachapas are also made from corn and can be prepared like pancakes of fresh corn dough or wrapped in dry corn leaves and boiled. They are eaten with cheese.

[REUTERS]