Venezuelan Community Honors Virgin of Chiquinquirá Day with Traditional Gaita Rhythms

Para español presione aquí >>A ritmo de Gaita, comunidad venezolana celebra el Día de la Virgen de Chiquinquirá

By Alejandro Salazar

Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá is the patron saint of Colombia and of the Zulia State in Venezuela. In Colombia, the image rests in the Basílica in honor of her name. In Venezuela, the image of the Virgin engraved on a wooden board is found in the Basilica of Maracaibo, Zulia State, and serves as its formal patron saint. Every year on November 18, the celebration of Her Day involves massive processions and songs in honor of the Virgin, also affectionately known as “La Chinita” or “Queen Morena.”

Celebrations in honor of La Chinita are now held worldwide by the Venezuelan diaspora. In this sense, on November 18, the Venezuelan and Hispanic community prayed with Brother Manuel Solórzano to celebrate a solemn mass and procession in honor of this invocation of the Virgin at the Hispanic Apostolate in Metairie. The celebration continued after the mass with a tasting of typical Venezuelan food enjoyed during the Christmas season.

For many, the day marks the beginning of Christmas. The Virgin is serenaded to the rhythm of Gaita de Furro, a musical genre originating in the Zuliana region that has spread to the rest of Venezuela. The traditional Gaita has very particular instruments, among which the following stand out: the cuatro, the maracas, the charrasca, the pipe drum, and the essential instrument called furro or furruco, a direct descendant of the Spanish zambomba. This rhythm can include religious, romantic, historical, or protest themes.

This popular rhythm is represented in Louisiana by the Nolagaita group, composed of a group of musicians and enthusiasts from Venezuela whose main objective is to make this popular genre known in the community and encourage its growth. The group maintains an active presence on social networks, posting about their presentations and activities. Nolagaita has 12 members who delighted the audience with songs dedicated to Chinita, such as “La Elegida” and “Reina Morena,” among many others.

The organizing committee was pleased with the participation and hopes the celebration will continue growing.