The Painted Bride Art Center couldn’t handle the large number of people who came to enjoy "Venezuelan Expressions".

During Hispanic Heritage Month, "Venezuelan Expressions" is Casa de Venezuela’s cultural signature program, promoting the culture and traditions of the South American country through talented Venezuelan artists, musicians and dancers living in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties.

The second edition of “Venezuelan Expressions” exceeded all expectations.

The Quibor Weavers (Bailadores de Quibor) - a beautiful dance traditional from the artisan town of Quibor in the state of Lara, in the western part of Venezuela - opened is program.

The dance company, directed by Venezuelan choreographer Norca Medina, added a special, colorful touch to the program by interpreting significantly different dances such as Tamunangue Larense (Montilla), calypso from the state of Bolivar (potpourri), Waltz from Caracas (Adios a Ocumare), Joropos (Apure en un viaje) and the rich pace of drums from the central coast.

The Music Ensemble of Casa de Venezuela interpreted a variety of musical pieces that accompanied the group of dances, in addition to some other musical pieces such as: Joropos, and gaitas from the State of Zulia - a typical music genre from the region – which was dedicated to the late muralist José Alí Paz.

The climate of the event reached its peak when special guest Tambores de San Juan took over the stage and engaged everyone to dance and enjoy the rich music from the Venezuelan coastal areas. Such traditional afro-Caribbean rhythm is usually present during the pagan festivities of Saint John the Baptist, Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

“Venezuelan Expressions” was a great opportunity to showcase to a large and diverse audience about Venezuelan and Latin American traditions, with an emphasis on their historical background. Such approach allowed participants to learn about the cultural and ancient folk festivities of a country nicknamed by the first European settlers as “The Land of Grace.”

This program is also an excellent opportunity for Venezuelans to connect with their roots and for their children to learn about the traditions and culture of their ancestry.

“Venezuelan Expressions” has become an excellent and important tool to promote Latin America’s cultural diversity throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.

Thank you to all participants for the outstanding performance, to all the sponsors for their trust and support, to all our volunteers, and to more than 250 guests who came to share this wonderful occasion. Especial thanks to Zenddy Caicedo-Tintle (WFMZ 69) who acted as the Mistress of Ceremony during the program, guiding guests through a historical journey about Venezuela’s folklore.

Casa de Venezuela is looking forward for another excellent event in 2009, which will take place on Sunday, October 11th at the historical and renowned New Freedom Theater in Philadelphia.