Elorza Festivities: Dance, History and Tradition

Published at: 19/03/2026 09:24 AM

Every March 19, the town of Elorza, in the state of Apure, celebrates a day dedicated to Saint Joseph, the town's patron saint. The date brings together musical, livestock, agricultural, artistic and sports activities that are part of a tradition consolidated for decades in the Venezuelan plains.

Elorza was founded in 1774 on the banks of the Arauca River, in the current Elorza parish of the Rómulo Gallegos municipality. Its name pays homage to Colonel José Andrés Elorza, a member of José Antonio Páez's army during the War of Independence. The official designation was established on March 12, 1886 by decree of the Apure Legislative Assembly.

Celebrations began to take shape around 1955, when the community incorporated events that attracted visitors from different regions. Nine years ago, these festivities were declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation in the category of Asset of Interest, a recognition that reaffirmed their historical and social value.

The song “Party in Elorza”, composed by Eneas Perdomo in 1962, became one of the most representative elements of the date. The song, performed in the rhythm of a lanero passage, was widely distributed and was proclaimed the Popular Anthem of Elorza on March 19, 1991. The singer-songwriter received local awards, including the title of “Illustrious Son”, a square and avenue that bear his name.

The town also preserves stories linked to literary figures and characters transmitted by oral tradition. Among them, Pancha Vázquez stands out, inspired by Rómulo Gallegos for the novel “Doña Bárbara”, whose remains rest in Elorza. Added to these stories is the story of the “Patrol Cayman”, associated with the Arauca River and mentioned for generations as part of the regional imagination.

During the celebrations, visitors find gastronomic routes offering “entreverao”, preparations with river fish and other dishes typical of the area. The day is complemented by tours of spas, farms, landscapes of Capanaparo and activities in the La Manguera biopark, guided by knowledgeable inhabitants of the territory.

The Elorza Festivities maintain their annual call as a cultural expression that brings together history, music, oral tradition and productive practices of the Llanera region.

Mazo News Team