The Government has declared the ‘Baile en Candela’, a state tradition Yaracuyas cultural heritage of the nation. This dance, in which men and women move over burning embers, is a way of paying tribute to María Lionza. The news was shared by the Minister of Culture, Ernesto Villegas, through a video on the Culture Channel.
«In recognition of this cultural trait, unique to Venezuela, we are going to proceed to sign the registration certificate of the ‘baile en candela’ of the Yaracuy state as part of the registry of the Cultural Heritage of Venezuela“said the minister.
The ‘Baile en Candela’ that honors María Lionza
According to the state channel Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), mediums from various parts of Venezuela participate in this festival that is celebrated in Montaña de Sorte, in the Yaracuy state. These, being “possessed by the spirits of the Indian court,” walk on burning embers.
«The Marialionceros claim that moving over the ember purifies the body, frees it from hatred and evil, as well as possible curses.“he added
He also detailed that the participants prepare their “body and soul” months before this date to “defy the flames.”
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“Venezuela Celebrates Rich Cultural Heritage: ‘Baile en Candela’ Declared National Treasure”
In a move that highlights the country’s deep appreciation for its cultural roots, the Government of Venezuela has declared the ‘Baile en Candela’, a centuries-old tradition from the state of Yaracuy, as a cultural heritage of the nation. This decision is a testament to the country’s commitment to preserving its unique cultural identity and promoting its rich heritage to the world.
For those unfamiliar with the ‘Baile en Candela’, it is a dance where men and women move over burning embers, a practice that is deeply rooted in the worship of María Lionza, a revered figure in Venezuelan mythology. This ancient ritual is a way of paying tribute to María Lionza and is considered an integral part of Venezuela’s cultural fabric.
The news of the declaration was shared by the Minister of Culture, Ernesto Villegas, through a video on the Culture Channel, where he stated, “In recognition of this cultural trait, unique to Venezuela, we are going to proceed to sign the registration certificate of the ‘baile en candela’ of the Yaracuy state as part of the registry of the Cultural Heritage of Venezuela” [[1]]. This move is a significant step towards preserving the country’s cultural heritage and promoting its unique traditions to the world.
The ‘Baile en Candela’ is more than just a dance; it is a way of life for the people of Yaracuy. The mediums who participate in this festival, which is celebrated in Montaña de Sorte, in the Yaracuy state, are said to be “possessed by the spirits of the Indian court,” and believe that moving over the burning embers purifies the body and soul [[1]].
As we can see from the recent posts on social media, the ‘Baile en Candela’ is still an active and vibrant part of Venezuelan culture. A recent post on Instagram by @baileencadelaoficial shows a group of dancers performing the ‘Baile en Candela’ in all its glory, with flames and sparks flying everywhere [[2]]. Another post by @julioleonyara shows a group of people gathering to celebrate the ‘Baile en Candela’ in Yaracuy, with the caption “En YARACUY celebramos el Baile en Candela 2024” [[3]].
the declaration of the ‘Baile en Candela’ as a cultural heritage of Venezuela is a significant step towards preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage. This ancient ritual is an integral part of Venezuelan identity, and its preservation is a testament to the country’s commitment to promoting its unique traditions to the world.
References:
[[1]]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRMkhi4riv4
[[2]]https://www.instagram.com/baileencadelaoficial/reel/DA9i6NRSy5m/
[[3]]https://www.instagram.com/julioleonyara/reel/DA9xqKMvD0p/
