Venezuela's Independence Day – VEHU Cultural and Community Gathering 2025

On July 5 and 6, 2025, the Venezuelan Association in Hungary (VEHU) held the Cultural and Community Gathering at Casa VEHU, Budapest, to celebrate Venezuelan Independence Day.

Although the activity was originally planned for a public space, the event was moved to our headquarters. Thanks to the efforts of the Board of Directors and volunteers, all logistics were successfully reorganized, ensuring the success of the celebration. On both days, Casa VEHU opened its doors to the wider community, showcasing cultural, culinary, and exchange activities, under the hosting of Marco Alcalá and with the participation of our entire community.

Saturday, July 5

The program, which ran from 12:00 to 17:00, included the participation of five Venezuelan food entrepreneurs, a presentation by the Orinoco Scout Group, and a musical closing by the Los Andes Choir, directed by Manuel Medina. Throughout the afternoon, cultural and community-building activities took place, including the storytelling of “La abuela que cuenta la libertad” (The Grandmother Who Tells Freedom) and spaces for community interaction. Attendance was estimated at 80 to 100 people.

Sunday, July 6

On the second day, the community gathered between 12:00 and 19:00 for a gastronomic fair featuring three entrepreneurs and a closing performance by the Catatumbo Ensemble, which offered a concert of Venezuelan music. The event was attended by diplomatic representatives from the Embassy of Spain in Hungary and the Embassy of Brazil in Hungary, as well as members of the Hungarian and international community. Attendance was estimated at 50 people.

Results and outlook

Despite the initial challenges, the Gathering was a community and organizational success, consolidating VEHU as a hub for cultural and social exchange. The activity had a strong impact on social media, strengthening the Association’s presence both within and beyond Hungary.

For 2026, VEHU aims to expand the scope of the celebration with a more structured program, including workshops, exhibitions, activities for children, and stronger ties with Budapest’s District XII, reaffirming our commitment to promoting Venezuelan identity and culture, and consolidating our role as an organizational reference point for the diaspora in Hungary.