Minister Villegas regrets the physical departure of teacher José Elías “Chelías” Villarroel
Internet photo
Published at: 01/09/2025 10:43 AM
The Minister of Popular Power for Culture, Ernesto Villegas, lamented this Sunday the physical departure of the teacher José Elías “Chelías” Villarroel, a fundamental figure in Neo-Spartan culture.
“The island of Margarita and all of Venezuela today
mourn the departure of one of their cultural strongholds,” Villegas said
through his Telegram channel.
He also pointed out that the “maestro Chelías
Villarroel, winner of the National Culture Award, died at the admirable age of 102
, leaving his indelible mark on the musical heritage of the island and of the entire Homeland”.
“On behalf of the President of the Republic,
Nicolás Maduro Moros, the government and the people of Venezuela, I extend my sincerest
condolences to family, loved ones and to all the Neo-Spartan people.
Long live Chelías!” , he said.
José Elías “Chelías” Villarroel, born on February
16, 1924 in Los Millanes, Margarita Island, was an
endearing figure in Venezuelan culture, with a particularly profound legacy in the state of Nueva Esparta.
His life was a testament to passion and dedication to the arts. He began his career as a fisherman, cobbler and farmer, but his innate vocation for culture prompted him to become an outstanding self-taught poet and musician.
Mazo News Team