Venezuela advances with the management of the Arepa and Hallaca files before UNESCO

Published at: 10/02/2026 10:41 AM

The Minister of Popular Power for Culture, Ernesto Villegas, confirmed that the Venezuelan State is making rapid progress in delivering and approving the arepa and hallaca files to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for recognition as a World Heritage Site.

Villegas highlighted the importance of safeguarding the national origin of these emblematic dishes and announced that this year the official declaration for the Tamunangue or Sones de Negro in the state of Lara is also expected.

He recalled that the Venezuelan delegation formally presented the arepa file after an exhaustive investigation that links its name to the word “aripo”, originating from the indigenous Cumanagoto people in the east of the country.

He also stressed that, although Venezuela shares its culture with fraternity, it is imperative to ensure the historical ownership of its traditions before the world. Under this premise, the institution is now preparing the technical document of the finding by direct instruction of the National Executive .

The head of culture stressed that the country maintains a policy of integration with sister peoples, especially with Colombia, with whom it shares the practice of joropo, already approved by the international organization.

He stressed that the headquarters of the Great Viva Venezuela Mission, located in the San Carlos Barracks, serves as a meeting space to celebrate these cultural events, with a strong sense of belonging and sovereignty over one's own heritage.

VTV/Mazo News Team