The embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Malaysia recently held the "4th Venezuelan Week" in Melaka from June 27 to July 5 2009. Melaka was chosen to host the celebrations this year to honor the city being chosen as a UNESCO World Heritage City. The activities organized during the Venezuelan Week included a business round table, cooking workshops by chef Tamara Rodriguez, salsa workshops by Patricia Calzadilla, a performance by singer Tito Romero, poetry recitals, traditional dancing and the famous Venezuelan themed party.
The Venezuelan themed party was held on Sunday, June 28 at the Taming Sari Tower in Bandar Hilir, Melaka. Among those who attended the event were the Venezuelan Ambassador to Malaysia, Manuel Guzman, Malaysia Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, and many other foreign dignitaries. The guests were treated to a gastronomic delight of Venezuelan cuisine which included many culinary delicacies concocted from cocoa. Venezuela, like Malaysia is a minor cocoa producing country.
That evening, Venezuelan artistes put up exciting performances to entertain the crowd till about midnight. A Venezuelan band, and Tito Romero belted out popular Venezuelan songs. Of course no Venezuelan themed party would be complete without the salsa. Patricia Calzadilla conducted a salsa workshop and coaxed the crowd to join her on the dance floor. In addition there were traditional dance performances by Venezuelan children in their colorful costumes. The Venezuelan national dance, the joropo was also showcased that evening.
The joropo is a musical style and a dance genre resembling the waltz. Joropo has over time became a national identity in Venezuela where it is considered the national dance. The joropo uses the hand turns, movements of the feet and the waltz turns. The dancers first dance a type of waltz in close hold. They then stand facing each other and make small steps forward and backwards as if sweeping the floor. Lastly they hold each others' arms, and the lady does sweeping steps while the man stomps his feet along with the rhythm of the music.