New Year’s Eve is a worldwide celebration and carries many different traditions depending on your location. In Venezuela, it is custom to celebrate New Year’s Eve with your family and friends over a big feast, and usually, many champagne toasts are given.
Here is a list of traditions and customs celebrated in Venezuela.
1. At the start of the New Year, the people in Venezuela follow a custom of eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. This New Year’s Eve custom is believed to bring good luck for the coming year.
2. The people in Venezuela follow the custom of carrying a suitcase around the house for those who want to travel during the New Year.
3. Wearing yellow underwear is a custom that is followed by the people of Venezuela on New Year. This custom is believed to bring the people of Venezuela good luck in the year ahead.
4. Wearing red underwear is another custom that is followed and is believed to bring the people of Venezuela love for the year ahead.
5. Yet another New Year custom followed by the people of Venezuela for the New Year is the writing of letters asking for many wishes. In order to make sure that nobody can read what is written in these letters; the papers are all put together and burned when the New Year is approaching.
6. If someone is looking for money in the coming year, he or she must carry with them a high value bill on New Year’s Eve.
7. Another custom is to listen to radio specials which broadcast the countdown and announcement of the New Year and various musical traditions are followed through these special programs. Traditionally songs of sadness are broadcasted at the end of the year. Some of the popular songs are "Cinco pa' las 12" ("Five minutes before twelve") by singers like Nancy Ramos, Nestor Zavarce, and Jose Luis Rodríguez El Puma, and another song is "Viejo año" ("Old year") by Gaita group Maracaibo 15.
8. The song "Año Nuevo, Vida Nueva" ("New Year, New Life") by Billo's Caracas Boys is played in the first minutes of the New Year and has become the unofficial hymn.
These customs have ancient roots and most of the customs are still followed by the people in Venezuela on New Year’s Eve. The people in Venezuela regard New Years as an important celebration which will bring them the things they are looking for in the New Year.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Feliz Navidad from Caracola Beach and Spa Resort!
Last Minute Shopper?
Check out these shopping locations for everyone on your list.
1.La Vela Mall
La Vela Mall offers three levels (Arena, Mar y Sol) to ensure its visitors the most incredible experiences of shopping, entertainment, and enjoyment. The mall offers some of the most prestigious brands worldwide, service shops, and a large area devoted to food.
The mall offers stores such as Adidas, Armani Exchange, Hugo Boss, Custo Barcelona, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Clarks, Converse, Diesel, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, Technomarine, Paul Frank, Karsten, Victoria's Secret, La Senza, Mac, Crocs, and Xoxo. The mall also offers stores that specialize in accessories, jewelry, shoes, sports, and optics.
2.4 de Mayo
Avenida 4 de Mayo is populated with boutiques and shopping centers which carry the best lines of all sorts of merchandise including clothing, electronics, cosmetics, perfume, liquor, etc. Many of these items carry exclusive manes like Gucci, Fendi, Cartier, Nike, etc. Avenida 4 de Mayo also houses many international goods, fast food joints, and restaurants.
Enjoy The Holidays on the Beach!
Check out these beaches for an enjoyable, relaxing day during your holiday stay.
1.Playa Caribe - This beach offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere with quite a few good restaurants along the coastline, as well as some nice caves for exploring near the end of the beach. Facilities on this beach include food, drinks, toilets, sunshades, and sunning beds.
2.Playa El Agua– This beach is the most famous and popular beach on Isla Margarita. It’s populated with around 50 restaurants, kiosks and small beach bars, and the boulevard along the beach provides visitors with shops, restaurants, and internet cafes. This beach offers many activities including several water sports, micro plane rides, concerts, and nightlife. Despite all that is going on, this beach is still big enough to give you some space on your own.
3.Playa Parguito –Like Playa El Agua, this beach also has some waves, making it one of the best beaches for surfing on Isla Margarita. Jorge Hautmann (or Pakayola), runs a surf school here, and offers both surfboard rentals and surfing lessons to travelers. If you walk down to the ends of the beach you will find great lookout areas that give a nice overview of the area.
4.Playa El Yaque – This beach is one of the most famous places for kiting and wind surfing. Therefore, the beach is full of kiters and surfers all year around. Young people from all over the world gather here to surf, kite, or swim because of the shallow, warm waters that extend several hundred meters from the shore. There are many hotels, including Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, and restaurants on this beach.
5.Playa Manzanillo- This beach is located near the northern tip of Isla Margarita, not far from Playa El Agua. It is a small beach but never very crowded. It offers quiet waters and is an ideal swimming location. This area also has several restaurants that will rent beach chairs and umbrellas, as well as serve food and drinks.
Check out these shopping locations for everyone on your list.
1.La Vela Mall
La Vela Mall offers three levels (Arena, Mar y Sol) to ensure its visitors the most incredible experiences of shopping, entertainment, and enjoyment. The mall offers some of the most prestigious brands worldwide, service shops, and a large area devoted to food.
The mall offers stores such as Adidas, Armani Exchange, Hugo Boss, Custo Barcelona, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Clarks, Converse, Diesel, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, Technomarine, Paul Frank, Karsten, Victoria's Secret, La Senza, Mac, Crocs, and Xoxo. The mall also offers stores that specialize in accessories, jewelry, shoes, sports, and optics.
2.4 de Mayo
Avenida 4 de Mayo is populated with boutiques and shopping centers which carry the best lines of all sorts of merchandise including clothing, electronics, cosmetics, perfume, liquor, etc. Many of these items carry exclusive manes like Gucci, Fendi, Cartier, Nike, etc. Avenida 4 de Mayo also houses many international goods, fast food joints, and restaurants.
Enjoy The Holidays on the Beach!
Check out these beaches for an enjoyable, relaxing day during your holiday stay.
1.Playa Caribe - This beach offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere with quite a few good restaurants along the coastline, as well as some nice caves for exploring near the end of the beach. Facilities on this beach include food, drinks, toilets, sunshades, and sunning beds.
2.Playa El Agua– This beach is the most famous and popular beach on Isla Margarita. It’s populated with around 50 restaurants, kiosks and small beach bars, and the boulevard along the beach provides visitors with shops, restaurants, and internet cafes. This beach offers many activities including several water sports, micro plane rides, concerts, and nightlife. Despite all that is going on, this beach is still big enough to give you some space on your own.
3.Playa Parguito –Like Playa El Agua, this beach also has some waves, making it one of the best beaches for surfing on Isla Margarita. Jorge Hautmann (or Pakayola), runs a surf school here, and offers both surfboard rentals and surfing lessons to travelers. If you walk down to the ends of the beach you will find great lookout areas that give a nice overview of the area.
4.Playa El Yaque – This beach is one of the most famous places for kiting and wind surfing. Therefore, the beach is full of kiters and surfers all year around. Young people from all over the world gather here to surf, kite, or swim because of the shallow, warm waters that extend several hundred meters from the shore. There are many hotels, including Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, and restaurants on this beach.
5.Playa Manzanillo- This beach is located near the northern tip of Isla Margarita, not far from Playa El Agua. It is a small beach but never very crowded. It offers quiet waters and is an ideal swimming location. This area also has several restaurants that will rent beach chairs and umbrellas, as well as serve food and drinks.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Christmas Traditions around Caracola Beach and Spa Resort
Holiday Decorations
Most people decorate both the inside and outside of their homes with bright lights. And it is also very common for them to put up a Christmas tree as well, but the most authentic Venezuelan custom is to display a nativity scene (Nacimiento). Venezuelan nativity scenes are very descriptive and usually represent the entire region including the mountains, hills, plains, and valleys, all centered around a replica of the manger at Bethlehem. Many modern day versions even include electric trains, boats on the sea, and cartoon figures, along with the traditional shepherds, pilgrims, kings, and the Holy Family.
These often become a real work of art.
Holiday Traditions around Isla Margarita
The religious celebrations begin on December 16th where an early morning mass (Misa de Aguinaldo) is held every morning leading up to December 24th when mass is held at midnight (Misa de Gallo).
On December 25th, Christmas Day, children awaken to find gifts around the Nativity Scene or Christmas tree. And their tradition has it that it is the Child Jesus who brings gifts to the Venezuelan children instead of Santa Claus.
The Christmas festivities officially come to an end on January 6th, the Day of the Reyes Magos, when children again will receive toys and candies. Christmas is the main holiday when all Venezuelan families come together and celebrate.
Traditional Holiday Meals
During this time, families get together to enjoy the traditional holiday meal which includes: hallacas, pan de jamon, and dulce de lechoza. Hallacas are typically a mixture of chicken, pork, beef, capers, olives, and raisins wrapped in cornmeal dough, bound with string within plantain leaves and boiled or steamed before eating. Pan de jamon is a long bread filled with cooked ham and raisins, and dulce de lechoza is a dessert made of green papaya and brown sugar.
Most people decorate both the inside and outside of their homes with bright lights. And it is also very common for them to put up a Christmas tree as well, but the most authentic Venezuelan custom is to display a nativity scene (Nacimiento). Venezuelan nativity scenes are very descriptive and usually represent the entire region including the mountains, hills, plains, and valleys, all centered around a replica of the manger at Bethlehem. Many modern day versions even include electric trains, boats on the sea, and cartoon figures, along with the traditional shepherds, pilgrims, kings, and the Holy Family.
These often become a real work of art.
Holiday Traditions around Isla Margarita
The religious celebrations begin on December 16th where an early morning mass (Misa de Aguinaldo) is held every morning leading up to December 24th when mass is held at midnight (Misa de Gallo).
On December 25th, Christmas Day, children awaken to find gifts around the Nativity Scene or Christmas tree. And their tradition has it that it is the Child Jesus who brings gifts to the Venezuelan children instead of Santa Claus.
The Christmas festivities officially come to an end on January 6th, the Day of the Reyes Magos, when children again will receive toys and candies. Christmas is the main holiday when all Venezuelan families come together and celebrate.
Traditional Holiday Meals
During this time, families get together to enjoy the traditional holiday meal which includes: hallacas, pan de jamon, and dulce de lechoza. Hallacas are typically a mixture of chicken, pork, beef, capers, olives, and raisins wrapped in cornmeal dough, bound with string within plantain leaves and boiled or steamed before eating. Pan de jamon is a long bread filled with cooked ham and raisins, and dulce de lechoza is a dessert made of green papaya and brown sugar.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Caribe Genuino Features Caracola Beach and Spa Resort
Caracola Beach and Spa Resort was featured in its own special edition of Caribe Genuino, and if you haven’t seen it yet, you should! This 152-page special edition magazine provides readers with various topics of information all relating to the areas around Isla Margarita and, the much anticipated, Caracola Beach and Spa Resort.
The magazine takes readers through all the popular destinations around Isla Margarita including the amazingly beautiful beaches of Playa Caribe, Playa El Agua, Playa Parguito, and Playa Yaque, as well as the top attractions including Diverland, Waterland, Ranchero Macanao, and Jeep Safari.
The magazine also includes information, as well as photos, on Caracola Beach and Spa Resort. It features information on all the amenities offered, including various restaurants, spa facilities, and a gymnasium, to name a few, as well as information on the management company that will run the daily operations of the Resort, Geneva Hospitality.
This is one magazine you’ll want to check out, whether you’re interested in the Isla Margarita area, are looking for a great vacation destination, or are interested in owning a room at Caracola Beach and Spa Resort on Isla Margarita! To take a look at this magazine, be sure to visit http://www.globalsolutionsrealty.com/briefcase/38127_615200982002AM74263.pdf
The magazine takes readers through all the popular destinations around Isla Margarita including the amazingly beautiful beaches of Playa Caribe, Playa El Agua, Playa Parguito, and Playa Yaque, as well as the top attractions including Diverland, Waterland, Ranchero Macanao, and Jeep Safari.
The magazine also includes information, as well as photos, on Caracola Beach and Spa Resort. It features information on all the amenities offered, including various restaurants, spa facilities, and a gymnasium, to name a few, as well as information on the management company that will run the daily operations of the Resort, Geneva Hospitality.
This is one magazine you’ll want to check out, whether you’re interested in the Isla Margarita area, are looking for a great vacation destination, or are interested in owning a room at Caracola Beach and Spa Resort on Isla Margarita! To take a look at this magazine, be sure to visit http://www.globalsolutionsrealty.com/briefcase/38127_615200982002AM74263.pdf
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Locations Visited During Team Geneva Hospitality's Visit to Caracola Beach and Spa Resort
During a recent visit to Isla Margarita, home to Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, Team Geneva Hospitality visited many beautiful locations in the area. Below are just a few of the locations the Team visited.
El Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo
The most visited site in Porlamar, by both national tourists and international ones, is the El Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo. It was built in 1824 and rebuilt several times after due to destruction by pirates. Ancient artillery pieces are exhibited here, as well as paintings and artifacts from the Independence War.
San Carlos de Borromeo is Margarita’s largest fort. Overlooking and dominating the bay, it was built of coral rock on a star plan with salients radiating from the four angles of the central square, each with a lookout tower.
Puerto Porlamar
One of the most beautiful constructions in Porlamar is the “Puerto de la mar” (Port of the Sea). It is a private initiative that was constructed to be an entry gate for tourists who visit Isla Margarita through a cruise ship. The plan to build Puerto Porlamar was proposed in 1991 to bring life back to the core of the City by creating an invigorating new energy thru the cruise passengers arriving in Polrmar.
Puerto Porlamar has become a part of the City and is directly connected to it. Through this port, cruise passengers arrive at the heart of the City and find a nice and convenient environment where they can stroll, shop, or visit one of the many cafes, restaurants, or bars located around the main plaza and the waterfront. By having passengers arrive through the Puerto Porlamar, they get the feeling and impression of the local culture, traditions, and tastes.
La Vela Mall
La Vela Mall is inspired by the marine elements of the island and the design of the building pays tribute to the small fishing boats typical to Isla Margarita, harmoniously inserted in the urban environment.
La Vela Mall offers three levels (Arena, Mar y Sol) to ensure its visitors the most incredible experiences of shopping, entertainment, and enjoyment. The mall offers some of the most prestigious brands worldwide, service shops, and a large area devoted to food.
The mall offers stores such as Adidas, Armani Exchange, Hugo Boss, Custo Barcelona, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Clarks, Converse, Diesel, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, Technomarine, Paul Frank, Karsten, Victoria's Secret, La Senza, Mac, Crocs, and Xoxo. The mall also offers stores that specialize in accessories, jewelry, shoes, sports, and optics.
El Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo
The most visited site in Porlamar, by both national tourists and international ones, is the El Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo. It was built in 1824 and rebuilt several times after due to destruction by pirates. Ancient artillery pieces are exhibited here, as well as paintings and artifacts from the Independence War.
San Carlos de Borromeo is Margarita’s largest fort. Overlooking and dominating the bay, it was built of coral rock on a star plan with salients radiating from the four angles of the central square, each with a lookout tower.
Puerto Porlamar
One of the most beautiful constructions in Porlamar is the “Puerto de la mar” (Port of the Sea). It is a private initiative that was constructed to be an entry gate for tourists who visit Isla Margarita through a cruise ship. The plan to build Puerto Porlamar was proposed in 1991 to bring life back to the core of the City by creating an invigorating new energy thru the cruise passengers arriving in Polrmar.
Puerto Porlamar has become a part of the City and is directly connected to it. Through this port, cruise passengers arrive at the heart of the City and find a nice and convenient environment where they can stroll, shop, or visit one of the many cafes, restaurants, or bars located around the main plaza and the waterfront. By having passengers arrive through the Puerto Porlamar, they get the feeling and impression of the local culture, traditions, and tastes.
La Vela Mall
La Vela Mall is inspired by the marine elements of the island and the design of the building pays tribute to the small fishing boats typical to Isla Margarita, harmoniously inserted in the urban environment.
La Vela Mall offers three levels (Arena, Mar y Sol) to ensure its visitors the most incredible experiences of shopping, entertainment, and enjoyment. The mall offers some of the most prestigious brands worldwide, service shops, and a large area devoted to food.
The mall offers stores such as Adidas, Armani Exchange, Hugo Boss, Custo Barcelona, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Clarks, Converse, Diesel, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, Technomarine, Paul Frank, Karsten, Victoria's Secret, La Senza, Mac, Crocs, and Xoxo. The mall also offers stores that specialize in accessories, jewelry, shoes, sports, and optics.
Vacation Safety Tips for a Holiday Abroad
Planning a holiday vacation abroad with your family? Follow these few vacation tips to make your stay safer.
Money Matters
1. Try and avoid bringing large amounts of cash on your trip. If someone is watching you and notices you’re carrying a large amount of cash, you and your family may become a target for theft. Instead, divide up smaller amounts of cash among your family members to pay for small expenses. Also, don't carry cash and credit cards in the same wallet, the best solution would be to wear some sort of fanny pack that is close to your body.
2. ATM cards are another alternative to carrying large amounts of cash because you can withdrawal cash on an as-needed basis. If you choose to use an ATM, beware of your surroundings and try to make withdrawals during business hours.
3. Credit cards or traveler's checks provide the most secure method of payment. Traveler's checks from a reliable bank or credit source are accepted virtually anywhere. But remember to keep the serial numbers separate from the checks.
4. Credit cards offer a safety net in case your card becomes lost or stolen. Most credit card companies replace lost or stolen cards immediately via express or overnight mail. Before traveling abroad, check with your credit card provider and ask about their policies for safe travels overseas.
Documentation
5. A passport will be necessary for your travels abroad. You should not bring birth certificates or social security cards belonging to you or your children with you. This will minimize the chance of identity theft while you and your loved ones travel away from home.
Car Safety
6. Opt for a practical rental car instead of something flashy, as thieves tend to target expensive vehicles. Also, don’t leave expensive video equipment, cell phones or GPS navigators in plain sight inside your vehicle.
7. If something goes wrong with your car, proceed to a well-lit area or a service station and call for assistance.
8. Police vehicles have red or blue lights. Don't pull over if someone flashes their headlights.
Child-Proof Your Child
9. Pay close attention to your children when traveling. Place a safety card in your child's pocket which contains your name, contact details, and hotel information, in case an emergency occurs.
Money Matters
1. Try and avoid bringing large amounts of cash on your trip. If someone is watching you and notices you’re carrying a large amount of cash, you and your family may become a target for theft. Instead, divide up smaller amounts of cash among your family members to pay for small expenses. Also, don't carry cash and credit cards in the same wallet, the best solution would be to wear some sort of fanny pack that is close to your body.
2. ATM cards are another alternative to carrying large amounts of cash because you can withdrawal cash on an as-needed basis. If you choose to use an ATM, beware of your surroundings and try to make withdrawals during business hours.
3. Credit cards or traveler's checks provide the most secure method of payment. Traveler's checks from a reliable bank or credit source are accepted virtually anywhere. But remember to keep the serial numbers separate from the checks.
4. Credit cards offer a safety net in case your card becomes lost or stolen. Most credit card companies replace lost or stolen cards immediately via express or overnight mail. Before traveling abroad, check with your credit card provider and ask about their policies for safe travels overseas.
Documentation
5. A passport will be necessary for your travels abroad. You should not bring birth certificates or social security cards belonging to you or your children with you. This will minimize the chance of identity theft while you and your loved ones travel away from home.
Car Safety
6. Opt for a practical rental car instead of something flashy, as thieves tend to target expensive vehicles. Also, don’t leave expensive video equipment, cell phones or GPS navigators in plain sight inside your vehicle.
7. If something goes wrong with your car, proceed to a well-lit area or a service station and call for assistance.
8. Police vehicles have red or blue lights. Don't pull over if someone flashes their headlights.
Child-Proof Your Child
9. Pay close attention to your children when traveling. Place a safety card in your child's pocket which contains your name, contact details, and hotel information, in case an emergency occurs.
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