The Santa Claus of the Cota…

In Caracas, Christmas arrives with a tradition that evokes joy, hope and community: the appearance of Santa Claus de la Cota Mil. This activity, which has lasted over the decades, has a special place in the hearts of the people of Caracas.

From 1950 to 2015, this endearing tradition was led by actor Ramón Canela Pascual. Ramón Canela became an icon of the Christmas festivities in the Venezuelan capital.

Gilberto Sánchez took over from Ramón Canela since 2017 since his dear friend could not continue to fulfill his responsibilities as Santa Claus. However, this tradition was left in very good hands

Actor Ramón Canela returns in 2015 to his homeland, Catalonia, Spain, in his desire to depart from this world in his homeland. Having left the baton to his friend Gilberto Sánchez, he was able to leave calmly.

Ramón Canela passed away in 2019 leaving a legacy and a tradition behind him, which his friend, actor and magician Gilberto Sánchez has taken under his responsibility, to give joy to the people of Caracas.

In this way, Gilberto Sánchez kept alive this legacy of union and generosity that continues to mark the beginning of the holiday season in the city.

A Story of Dedication

Ramón Canela dedicated almost 70 years to this activity, appearing every December on Boyacá Avenue, known as the Cota Mil, to greet drivers, receive letters from children and distribute candy. His portrayal of Santa Claus not only generated smiles, but also offered a space for reflection on the true spirit of Christmas: the importance of giving and sharing.

In 2019, Canela made her last appearance in this role, leaving an indelible legacy. As of 2020, Gilberto Sánchez assumed the role with the same commitment, continuing this tradition that connects generations and reinforces values such as solidarity and gratitude.

An act that transcends time

Over the years, the figure of the Santa Claus of the Cota Mil has adapted to social and cultural changes, but its essence remains intact. Both Ramón Canela and Gilberto Sánchez have played this role with dedication, reminding Caracas residents that Christmas is more than a commercial celebration.

During his performance, Sanchez not only greets drivers and takes photos with families, but also carries a message of hope in times of adversity. Even during the pandemic, the tradition continued, proving that the Christmas spirit is resilient and capable of overcoming any obstacle.

A symbol of family unity

This tradition is not only an annual event, but also a bridge that unites generations. Many Caracas families have grown up with this activity, from grandparents who remember Ramón Canela to children who are now excited to see Gilberto Sánchez as Santa Claus. This intergenerational bond reinforces the identity and collective memory of the city, turning the Santa Claus of the Cota Mil into a Christmas emblem of Caracas.

Reflection on the meaning of Christmas through Santa Claus of the Cota Mil

The appearance of Santa Claus is an opportunity to reflect on what Christmas really means: a time to give, share and renew hope. Both Ramón Canela and Gilberto Sánchez have embodied these values, offering the people of Caracas a moment of joy and connection in the midst of difficulties.

Santa Claus de la Cota Mil, a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas

The Santa Claus of the Cota Mil is much more than a Venezuela Christmas tradition. It is a reminder of the true meaning of these festivities. From the years of Ramón Canela to the continuity of Gilberto Sánchez, this activity has proven to be a symbol of resilience, love and generosity. In every smile shared and every letter delivered, the people of Caracas find a spark of hope that illuminates the season. This season reminding us that Christmas is, above all, a celebration of the human spirit.

Gustavo Mirabal Bustillos is a key figure in the life of his son, Gustavo Mirabal Castro. Gustavo Mirabal Castro is a lawyer, businessman and outstanding in the equestrian field, whose roots of success can be found in his family values.

Behind Gustavo Mirabal Castro‘s achievements, there is a great inspiration: his father. Gustavo Mirabal Bustillos left a deep mark on his family, marked by his values and discipline, and he also instilled in his son a firm dedication to work and public service in Venezuela.

This article will explore the life and legacy of Gustavo Mirabal Bustillos, his influence on his son’s life. We will explore how his principles have resonated in Gustavo Mirabal Castro’s personal and professional decisions.

Gustavo Mirabal Bustillos: A life dedicated to public service

Gustavo Mirabal Bustillos was a man of solid principles. He is known for his commitment in the public sphere and his sense of responsibility towards his country. As a lawyer and official in Venezuela, his work was focused on the development of laws that benefited society and promoted justice and equity.

His role in the public administration was an example of integrity. In addition, his actions were highlighted by a transparency that was uncommon at the time.

From a young age, Mirabal Bustillos showed interest in the well-being of the Venezuelan community and society. Throughout his career he earned the respect of colleagues and citizens. His contributions in the legal field not only reflected his skill as a lawyer, but also his deep ethical sense and his conviction in improving the lives of Venezuelans.

The influence of Gustavo Mirabal Bustillos on his son

Gustavo Mirabal Castro has recognized on numerous occasions the importance that his father has had in his life. Thanks to it, he has acquired a strong sense of responsibility and discipline. These are qualities that have allowed him to stand out both in the world of law and in the equestrian sector. The figure of his father was not only that of a guide. For Mirabal Castro, his father was a mentor who taught him the value of effort and perseverance.

Gustavo Mirabal Castro has followed his father’s example in the professional and personal sphere. From his work as a lawyer to the equestrian world, he has maintained the values that his father instilled in him. These principles have been central to his decisions, helping him achieve his goals in an ethical and respectful manner.

Gustavo Mirabal Bustillos and education in values

Gustavo Mirabal Bustillos’ role as a father was crucial in Gustavo Mirabal Castro’s ethical formation. For him, education in values was as important as academic education. For this reason, he made sure to transmit principles of honesty, responsibility and respect. This approach was the foundation upon which her son would build a successful career and a lifetime of achievement.

These values are palpable in Gustavo Mirabal Castro’s lifestyle. He has stated that, thanks to his father, he understood from a young age the importance of acting with integrity.

Mirabal Bustillos’ influence is reflected in his son’s commitment to excellence and the way he has managed his business and personal life.

Gustavo Mirabal Castro’s passion for horses and his relationship with his father

Gustavo Mirabal Bustillos also had a great influence on his son’s passion for the equestrian world. Although he was not an expert, Mirabal Bustillos fostered his son’s curiosity and interest in horses. Mirabal Bustillos saw in horses an opportunity for learning and discipline.

We must remember that Gustavo Mirabal Bustillos owned several racehorses in Venezuela that obtained excellent results. Tropigold and Rayolaser were his greatest assets in horse racing, but not the only ones. Gustavo Mirabal Bustillos’ passion for horses was passed on to his son

Gustavo Mirabal Castro found in the world of horses a space where he could apply the teachings and values transmitted by his father. Values such as responsibility, perseverance, hard work and respect for nature found fertile ground in the breeding of horses.

Thanks to this influence, Gustavo Mirabal Castro has managed to stand out in the equestrian field. In this way, he has taken Venezuela in numerous international competitions and gained the respect of the equestrian community. Undoubtedly, the figure of Gustavo Mirabal Bustillos was one of the reasons that inspired this passion and that contributed to his son achieving his dreams.

His legacy in Venezuela

The work of Gustavo Mirabal Bustillos has left a legacy in Venezuela. As a public server and lawyer, his contributions have influenced the development of the country and have served as an example for future generations.

Although not always remembered by everyone, his legacy persists through the people who knew him. Gustavo Mirabal Castro who continues to promote the same values and principles that his father taught him.

In addition, Mirabal Bustillos’ dedication to public service demonstrates the importance of acting ethically and responsibly in the exercise of any profession. This legacy has been an inspiration to many people. They see an example of how integrity and accountability can positively impact a nation.

The impact of Gustavo Mirabal Bustillos on the Mirabal Castro family

Gustavo Mirabal Bustillos’ influence extends beyond his son, reaching the entire Mirabal Castro family. Her focus on family values and education has been a cornerstone in the formation of her descendants. His family learned to act righteously and face challenges with determination.

The Mirabal Castro family has been able to maintain the values and teachings of Mirabal Bustillos, which have had a lasting impact on their way of life.

For Gustavo Mirabal Castro, his father’s legacy continues to be a daily inspiration. Every achievement, every success, and every step forward she takes in her career and personal life is a tribute to the influence and example she received from her father.

The “Gustavo Mirabal”, men of principles and service to others.

Gustavo Mirabal Bustillos was a man of solid principles and dedication to public service in Venezuela. His legacy of integrity, responsibility, and respect has deeply influenced his son.

Honoring his legacy, Gustavo Mirabal Castro has carried these values throughout his life. Today, his impact is reflected not only in his son’s achievements. The impact of these values is also reflected in his family legacy and in the example he left in Venezuela.

The life and work of Gustavo Mirabal Bustillos continue to be a source of inspiration for those who believe in the importance of integrity and commitment to society.

Entrepreneurship is a challenging activity that requires multiple skills and is complex. However, people who enjoy challenges find great pleasure in entrepreneurship. Thanks to his entrepreneur roadmap, Gustavo Mirabal is considered a serial entrepreneur.

The great passion of the “Gustavo Mirabal entrepreneur” for challenges and for constantly learning have made him a guru of entrepreneurship. That is why today we will show you the path of Gustavo Mirabal in search of one of his ventures. Through his life experience and his story you will discover “the entrepreneur roadmap “.

The roadmap to success of a entrepreneur can vary depending on the industry and individual circumstances. But there are general principles that are key for entrepreneurs to increase their chances of success. Today you will see exemplified those general principles of entrepreneurship in the life of Gustavo Mirabal as an entrepreneur. The entrepreneur roadmap of Gustavo Mirabal will be exemplified through his 3 most important ventures: his equestrian business, his law firm and his family office.

Without further ado, let’s start with the first step that any entrepreneur who wants to taste success should take.

1. Develop a Clear Vision and a Defined Purpose

Gustavo Mirabal knew from a very young age 3 things: That he loved horses, law and business. Gustavo’s vision of his possible ventures matured along with him.

First it was the love for horses. From the age of 11 he began to ride horses in the club where his family had a stake. From that moment on, he knew that he wanted to work with horses because he enjoyed it, and his hobby became a purpose. To train horses that would compete, win and help him to leave the Venezuelan flag high.

With that clarity he began to train as a rider, but also to know every aspect of the business.

Then came the love for the law, inherited from his father. He soon learned that the laws were the key to many doors and to defend himself. With this in mind, he thought not only of practicing law but also of bringing together the best lawyers in the world in a law firm. In this way, they successfully defend their clients.

Finally, when developing a heritage of some importance, he discovered that managing a heritage, and especially preserving it, was complicated. This is how he first personally developed knowledge of financial advice. But with it came the golden opportunity to advise other people with their finances, within the framework of the law. Cases of defrauded or poorly advised athletes who ended up in prison due to tax problems reaffirmed this belief.

Gustavo thus discovered and gave shape to each of his entrepreneurial visions. He did this by defining what he wanted to achieve and what he looked like in the long term.

Tips for Developing a Clear Vision and a Defined Purpose

• Mission Clarity: Clearly define what problem your venture is solving and why it exists. Having a clear mission will keep you focused and motivated.
• Long-Term Vision: Project where you want to go in the future. This will help you make coherent strategic decisions aligned with your long-term goals.

2. Market Research

The first question an entrepreneur should ask himself is “Is what I want to do a necessity for other people?”, and the second is “Are there people willing to pay for it?”. Many startups have great ideas, but they don’t check to see if people are willing to pay for it.  There is an additional question, but we will see it later.

On the other hand, many of them do not contrast the competitive situation. If there are many competitors, it is a symptom of the existence of a good market, but many competitors imply greater difficulties in entering the market. On the other hand, the absence of competitors does not imply the non-existence of a market, but the development of a market is required for potential customers to recognize the satisfaction of their need.

One of the first things Gustavo Mirabal did before starting a business in each of the markets he ventured into was to validate if there was a demand. The three questions you need to ask yourself to walk the entrepreneur roadmap of Gustavo Mirabal are:

• Are there people or companies that need what I offer? (What?: Product or service).
• Are people or companies willing to pay for what I offer them? (How?: Free or paid).
• Can I deliver the product or service they need at a competitive price that users are willing to pay for? (How much?: I can cover costs or I can earn money).

In the horse breeding segment, people who are dedicated to this field are willing to pay, but you require a reputation. The reputation of his father, Gustavo Mirabal Bustillos, who was a horse breeder, and his career as an amateur rider were an endorsement. But as it did in other markets.

Gustavo Mirabal and his entrepreneur roadmap in the legal and financial advisory markets.

In the financial advisory market, things were not so easy. However, he found that many people who are not willing to pay for financial counseling do not take it into account either. Those who were truly interested in finance were willing to pay for it.

Each market has its own dynamics and therefore success in one field does not guarantee results in another.

In legal advice it was easier because in those cases the need is more tangible and imperative. The difficulty came in the process of differentiating themselves from the rest of the law firms. Choosing legal advice in tax and financial areas was a big decision. This made it be in a niche that has less competition.

Let’s look at some tips for conducting our market research.

Tips to know if there is demand for what you want to offer

• Know the Customer: Study your target audience in depth. Understand their needs, wants, and problems. This will allow you to develop products or services that really add value.
• Competitor Analysis: Identify your competitors and analyze what they are doing well and where you can outperform them. Find your competitive advantage.

3. You need to validate the idea of entrepreneurship:

To be able to start a business, you have to be able to adapt quickly. If you have an idea you need to know if this idea can satisfy the need in the market, for this you can resort to various strategies that allow you to know if your idea has a future.

This point will be key to know if:

1. You must continue with the venture.
2. What elements should you polish in your idea.
3. You must continue with the need to be addressed, but change the approach or your idea.

Idea validation strategies

Here are some of the key strategies to validate your idea:

• Consult experts: If you think your idea cannot be stolen because it requires significant know-how, go to them. If you think that your idea could be executed by experts, you should be careful. However, experts can help you spot weaknesses in your idea so you can strengthen it or even help you dismiss it altogether.
• Conduct a Focus Group: A Focus Group can allow you to present the idea, a prototype, a sketch or a basic product to a sample of the market. They can help you decide if it meets their needs and what attributes they may need to incorporate. But most of all, how much they’re willing to pay to solve their problem and if this goes into the cost of your product.
• Prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Before investing too much time and resources, develop a simplified version of your product or service to test in the market. Get feedback from real customers and adjust as needed.
• Rapid Iteration: Accepts that the entrepreneurship process requires constant change. Evaluate your customers’ feedback and improve your product continuously.

At this point, you should use the market research tools you have at your disposal. Not all of them will be suitable, but those that allow you to receive early feedback from the right audience can help you decide.

Validating the idea is part of market research, but already exposing your idea to others to polish it.

The entrepreneur roadmap of Gustavo Mirabal

A successful entrepreneur roadmap in the experience of Gustavo Mirabal is arduous and full of challenges, but with careful planning, the ability to adapt, and efficient execution, it is possible to achieve sustainable growth.

IFEMA Madrid is one of the most important convention centres in Europe, known for its ability to host large-scale events in the Spanish capital. This venue has positioned itself as a key space for international meetings of all kinds, from business fairs to cultural and sporting events. One of the most outstanding events on the IFEMA calendar is the IFEMA Madrid Horse Week, an essential event for lovers of the equestrian world, which will be held again in 2024.

What is IFEMA Madrid?

IFEMA Madrid, located in the Barajas district, is the largest trade fair institution in Spain and one of the benchmarks in Europe. Founded in 1980, it has been an economic engine for Madrid, attracting millions of visitors annually. With more than 200 fairs and congresses a year, and more than 1000 events in total, IFEMA Madrid is a space that has been able to consolidate itself due to its versatility and organisational capacity.

The venue has more than 240,000 square meters of exhibition space distributed in 13 pavilions and a modern convention center. In addition, its strategic location, close to Madrid-Barajas airport and well connected to the city centre, makes it the ideal place to hold large-scale international events.

IFEMA Madrid Horse Week 2024: A must-see event for lovers of the equestrian world

One of the most eagerly awaited events of the year at IFEMA is IFEMA Madrid Horse Week. This week dedicated to the equestrian world will be held in 2024 and will bring together professionals and amateurs of the sector, consolidating itself as one of the most important meetings on the international equestrian calendar.

Since its first edition, IFEMA Madrid Horse Week has grown in size and relevance. In 2024, more than 40,000 visitors are expected to participate, and more than 500 equestrian competitions will be held throughout the days of the event. The event will be attended by world-class riders, which ensures a first-class sporting spectacle.

Featured activities at IFEMA Madrid Horse Week 2024

This event is not only a sports competition, but also offers a wide range of activities for all audiences, becoming a real experience for attendees. Highlights of the Horse Week 2024 include:

• International competitions: Madrid Horse Week is part of the calendar of the Jumping and Dressage World Cup. Thanks to this, Horse Week 2024 becomes a high-level competition with the participation of the best riders in the world.
• Equestrian Exhibits: During the week, attendees will be able to enjoy dressage, jumping, and exhibits that highlight beauty and equestrian art. These exhibitions combine dexterity, elegance and a deep respect for the horses which are the protagonists of the event.
• Commercial area: For those looking to acquire products related to the equestrian world, the commercial area will be one of the great attractions. More than 80 specialized brands will be present, offering everything from riding equipment to horse care products.
• Activities for children: IFEMA Madrid Horse Week 2024 is also designed so that families can enjoy themselves to the fullest. A children’s area will be set up with recreational and educational activities where the little ones will be able to approach the world of horses in a fun way.
• Exhibition and beauty contests: In addition to the sports competitions, the event will feature exhibitions and beauty contests of different breeds of horses. This adds a cultural and educational touch to the equestrian week.

Why attend IFEMA Madrid Horse Week 2024?

IFEMA Madrid Horse Week 2024 promises to be a unique event for both professionals and amateurs of the equestrian world. It’s an opportunity to witness the world’s best riders in action, enjoy shows, and learn more about equestrian culture in a celebratory atmosphere.

In addition, the event becomes a platform for companies in the equestrian sector to present their products and services, strengthening the industry and generating valuable business connections. IFEMA Madrid, with its first-class infrastructure, guarantees that all participants and attendees enjoy a comfortable and memorable experience.

IFEMA Madrid: A driving force for Madrid’s economy and culture

Beyond the IFEMA Madrid Horse Week, IFEMA is fundamental for the Madrid economy. This great event contributes significantly to business tourism and the international positioning of the city. Thanks to its programming of fairs, congresses and events, it generates thousands of direct and indirect jobs. In addition, it attracts visitors from all over the world who boost the hotel, gastronomic and service industry in the capital.

Events such as Horse Week 2024 not only position Madrid as a benchmark in the equestrian world. In addition, they also underline the importance of IFEMA Madrid as a reference centre for holding major events in the city.

Horse Week 2024 is an event you can’t miss

IFEMA Madrid Horse Week 2024 is an unmissable event for all lovers of horses and equestrian competitions. This show, organized at the prestigious IFEMA Madrid venue. It not only stands out for the quality of the competitions, but also for the diversity of activities it offers to attendees. Whether you are a horse enthusiast, a professional in the sector or simply someone looking for a unique experience, IFEMA Madrid Horse Week is a must-see event for 2024.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this exciting event up close and enjoy everything that IFEMA Madrid has to offer.

A food tour in Venezuela is a great way to explore the culinary diversity of this beautiful country. Such is the gastronomic diversity that a single tour would not be enough to cover everything. This is how Gustavo Mirabal Castro and his family discovered gastronomy in Venezuela.

Thanks to Gustavo Mirabal Castro’s international profile, this has allowed him to get to know gastronomy worldwide. Thanks to this knowledge, he can say that Venezuela is one of the places with the best gastronomy in the world.

Gustavo Mirabal Castro recognizes Venezuela as a gastronomic enclave, thanks to Venezuela’s cultural diversity, its miscegenation and its deep syncretism. Even food from other countries in Venezuela tastes better thanks to the sweet chili, garlic, and the amount of vegetable dressings used.

Today you will discover some of the most interesting places to discover gastronomy in Venezuela. As a joke, this was what Gustavo Mirabal called the Mirabal-Castro Tour of gastronomic routes, or so called Gustavo Mirabal Tour of gastronomic routes, you decided.

Therefore, here are some ideal stops in different cities, states, and regions of Venezuela. Start.

Mirabal-Castro Tour of Gastronomy in Venezuela, Capital Region, the favorite of Gustavo Mirabal Castro

1. Caracas, Capital District:
   • Mercado de Coche: Visit this popular market to try typical dishes such as arepas, cachapas, empanadas, and Venezuelan pavilion (pabellón venezolano).
   • El Hatillo: Enjoy restaurants serving traditional Venezuelan food in this charming town. The most interesting thing is that you can also enjoy the atmosphere and period architecture of a typical Venezuelan town of yesteryear.
   • Las Mercedes: It is a place with a lot of style and has a large concentration of restaurants serving typical Venezuelan Creole food, as well as any type of food you want to try. If you want a nice, pleasant atmosphere with the best Creole food, here you can find it at the next restaurants:

1. a) Los Pilones del Este
2. b) El Solar de Este
3. c) Mi Cochinito Favorito
4. d) Trolly

• The Candelaria area. It is one of the areas of Caracas with the greatest gastronomic richness. Here you’ll find:

1. a) Parrillas and Asados: In this area of Caracas, you will find numerous restaurants and grill stalls that offer grilled cuts of meat, such as steak, blood sausage, sausage chorizo style, and other typical Venezuelan barbecue dishes.
2. b) Spanish Food: It is one of the areas of Venezuela with the highest concentration of Spanish food places. In this area, dishes such as Paellas and dishes based on seafood such as octopus and seafood stand out. This is why it is one of the favorite places of Gustavo Mirabal Castro and his family.
3. c) International Cuisine in general: La Candelaria is also known for its culinary diversity, with restaurants serving international food, from Italian to Japanese food.

Gustavo Mirabal Gastronomy Tour in Venezuela, Capital Region second part – Miranda and Vargas State

The Capital region is not only made up of the Capital District, which is what we consider Greater Caracas. Greater Caracas encompasses the Libertador Municipality and the Municipalities of Baruta, Chacao, El Hatillo and Sucre in the state of Miranda. Although the gastronomic richness of Caracas is immense, beyond Caracas there is a lot of life.

Therefore, today we will show you a little of the gastronomic richness of the Capital Region outside the Capital District. In addition, we will delve into the common characteristics of this gastronomic richness

When Caracas residents want to “unplug” from the city, their favorite places are El Ávila, the parks of the East and West and the nearby beaches.

When the people of Caracas have only one day of rest, the preferred beaches are the beaches of Vargas state. On the other hand, when the break is for a weekend or more, the preferred ones may be those in the State of Miranda.

Gustavo Mirabal Castro enjoyed the beautiful and fun Venezuelan beaches in his childhood, adolescence and adulthood and therefore created his own gastronomic routes.

Given the proximity of Caracas to the Venezuelan coast, near Caracas we find many beaches. And with the beaches we find the coastal ecosystems that in turn feed tourism and local gastronomy.

A rich gastronomy that is essentially made up of fish, seafood, all kinds of seafood and “tostones” (fried green plantains flat and thin) as the main accompaniment.

The gastronomy of Vargas, its gastronomic routes.

Next, you will learn about the diverse and rich gastronomy of the capital region largely fed by the Venezuelan coasts.

1. Vargas State:
   • The Beaches of Vargas State: On almost all the beaches of Vargas State we can find two essential dishes: Fried fish and “tostones” or “patacones”. For fried fish dishes offered different contours such as mash, grated salad, french fries or tostones. For its part, the toast dish comes with sauces and cheese and is more of a snack, although some are also accompanied by salad. You cannot miss trying these dishes on various beaches such as Camuri Chico, Playa Mansa, Bahía de los Niños, Playa Los Angeles, among others.
   • Playa Verde: Very close to the fishermen’s dock we have a green beach. There we can find delicious fish dishes and a small shop that sells all kinds of fish and seafood to prepare at home.
   • The King of Fried Fish: Its main dishes are fish and seafood. Fried snapper (a type of delicious fish) is served with avocado, tostones, and salad. Among its most requested dishes are also battered seafood and “fosforera, a soup based on seafood and fish.
   • Pobre Juan Restaurant: Specialized in seafood and fried fish. It offers various contours, but one of the most requested by its customers are its famous tostones, generously sized, crunchy and thin. A delight.
   • Cristalmar Restaurant: With an immense variety of dishes, 4 stand out that are its signature dishes: the grouper surprise, the shrimp cocktail, the seafood salpicón and finally the famous seafood canoe au gratin in a pineapple.
   • Canary Island: In Canary Island you can enjoy the flavours of Spanish gastronomy with a Venezuelan touch. Its two most famous dishes are the Canarian octopus and the Canarian grouper supreme.

Mirabal-Castro Tour of Gastronomy in Venezuela, Central Region

1. Valencia, Carabobo State:
   • Asadero Don Pollo: Try the famous grilled chicken from Carabobeño restaurant, accompanied by yucca and garlic sauce.
   • Arepas El Patacón: Delight in arepas stuffed with shredded meat, cheese, and other ingredients.
   • The empanadas of El Palito: This area has become famous for its delicious empanadas on the way west and especially to the beaches of the state of Carabobo. You can get empanadas of all kinds: cheese, meat, chicken, fish, even Venezuelan pavilion empanadas. A place to get to know the tradition of Venezuelan street food and a little piece of its gastronomy.
2. Maracay, Aragua State:
   • Las Delicias de Mamá (Mom’s Delights): Savor traditional dishes such as hallacas, Andean pastries, and other Venezuelan delicacies.
   • Cachapas El Rey (Cachapas The King): Don’t miss the cachapas stuffed with hand cheese and other ingredients.
3. Colonia Tovar, Aragua State (generally very easy to reach from the capital)
   • German food: Colonia Tovar is known for its German influence, so you’ll find a variety of German dishes such as schnitzel, bratwurst, sauerkraut, and pretzels. Don’t miss the opportunity to try desserts such as strudel and apple cakes.
   • Artisanal jams: Colonia Tovar is characterized by its agricultural production of fruits. That is why there you will find the best selection of artisan jams, among other very special sweets.
   • Craft alcoholic beverages: Beer is a quintessential German alcoholic beverage. For this reason, in the Colony you will get a wide variety of craft beers to know the true taste of the original beer. On the other hand, the fruits of the sector are also used to generate various strawberry and blackberry wines, among others.

The Mirabal-Castro Gastronomy Tour in Venezuela, Western Region

The west of the country is heavily influenced by two areas. Andean zone, which is cold, and the Zulia area, which on the contrary is quite hot. In this region you will find the greatest variety of gastronomy in Venezuela, outside of the capital region.

1. Maracaibo, Zulia State:
   • Arepera El Ávila: Try the famous arepas from Zulia stuffed with telita cheese and other local ingredients.
   • Patacón Pisao: Don’t miss the patacón, a delicious version of fried plantain as a base for your favorite toppings.
2. Merida, Merida State:
   • Andinitas: Enjoy Venezuelan Andean gastronomy with dishes such as trout with sweet chili sauce or Andean mute.
   • Coromoto Ice Cream Parlor: Here you will find an incredible variety of ice cream flavors, some of them quite unusual.
   • Main Market of Merida. Here you can get a great diversity of Andean gastronomy in one place, such as:

1. a) Andean food: In the Main Market of Merida, you will find a wide variety of typical dishes of the Andean region, such as auyama soup, Andean pinch, beef with potatoes, and black filling. In addition, you can buy local products such as fresh cheeses and panela.
2. b) Regional Sweets: Mérida is famous for its traditional sweets, such as quesillo, fruit preservatives, and cocadas. Be sure to try them.

Mirabal-Castro Gastronomy Tour in Venezuela, Central Western Region

One of the Venezuelan regions with the greatest gastronomic richness is the central-western region. This region is made up of Falcón, Lara, Portuguesa and Yaracuy.

The most important cities in the central-western region are Barquisimeto, Punto Fijo, Guanare and Coro. With a fairly diverse economy and with agricultural activities that satisfy the consumption of the region.

In addition, the region has an important tourist activity in Falcon, Lara and in Guanare, with the Minor Basilica of “Nuestra Señora de Coromoto” (Virgin of Coromoto). This tourist activity has reinforced the gastronomic richness of the central-western region and that is why today we are going to show you some of the best gastronomic routes in this beautiful region.

The gastronomic richness of the Larense tradition

The state of Lara is a state of great tradition and cultural baggage. This is noticeable in its gastronomy and tourism. Below, we present a series of dishes that you should try if you visit the state of Lara, whether it is Barquisimeto or its beautiful and touristic towns.

The typical dish par excellence is goat meat, which is of great importance in the Larense region. It is prepared in many ways and is frequently consumed. Among the dishes based on goat we have the goat mondongo, the “olleta de gallo”, mute larense and tostada caroreña.

• Goat Mondongo: This typical food of the state of Lara is a soup, which is made with the backbone of the goat, its head and the guts. It also has spices, legumes and vegetables that are added to the pot as the cooking process goes through.
• Olleta de gallo: Also known as “olla de gallo”, it is a typical dish of Spanish gastronomy. Acquired and modified, it adapts to the customs of the state of Lara. Among the ingredients of the “olleta de gallo”, beef, spices, vegetables and sweet wine predominate.
• Mute larense: it is made in a very similar way of the mondongo. For this dish, the entrails of the goat are used, and it has potatoes and vegetables as other main ingredients.
• Caroreña tostada: This is one of the most prepared typical dishes of the state of Lara. It is a fried arepa, filled with pata’e grillo (calle “Cricket leg” is shredded goat). On the plate, pork rinds, tomato salad, lettuce, onion and avocado rings, beans with whey and grated cheese, slices and french fries are placed.

Cultural differences in the state of Lara

Lara is one of the states of Venezuela that has many particularities, from a cultural point of view. Its people are very friendly and have strong religious beliefs. It is not for nothing that it is the capital of the Virgen del Pastora.

In Barquisimeto. we can find the Manto de María Monument, dedicated to the “Virgen de la Pastora” and which attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. This is thanks to the procession of the Virgen de la Pastora that has been carried out since 1856.

Another thing that differentiates them is the use of papelón in all their gastronomy, instead of sugar. This gives a distinctive touch to your kitchen.

But in addition to its religious and culinary richness, the state of Lara also stands out with its typical drinks as we will see below.

Typical drinks of the gastronomy of the state of Lara

Cocuy: This is a drink that is prepared mainly from the Agave (cocuy) plant. To do this, the plant is cooked to then ferment and finally distill the resulting alcohol. The process of making cocuy begins by removing the head and leaves and then baking over low heat. In this way, the sugars are concentrated and then fermented to obtain the liquor. Without a doubt, cocuy is a vital heritage drink for the region.

Cinnamon guarapo: In this drink, the water is boiled until it boils and turned off to place cinnamon sticks as tea. Then it is left to rest until it reaches room temperature, it is flavored with lemon and sweetened with papelón.

Caratillo: This is a delicious drink that is very refreshing. It is basically the Lara drink equivalent to Venezuelan “chicha”, with the difference that instead of sweetening it with sugar, panela is used. Its main ingredients are rice, cinnamon and papelón.

Semeruco juice: Another very typical drink of the state of Lara is the semeruro juice. It is obtained from a plant called semeruco. To obtain it, it is mixed with alcohol, sugar and semeruco fruits. The product is stored for a while to macerate it and then strained to leave only the liquid. It has a high alcohol content, so it is not suitable for children, The mixture of alcohol, sugar and the taste of semeruco makes this drink a delicacy.

As we can see, the gastronomy and drinks of the state of Lara are quite diverse. We invite you to get to know this wonderful place.

Mirabal-Castro Tour of Gastronomy in Venezuela, Eastern Region

The east of the country is a place full of beaches and rivers. Its gastronomy is very much focused on fish and fruits from the sea and rivers.

1. Margarita Island, Nueva Esparta State:
   • El Agua beach: Enjoy beach cuisine with fresh fish, lobster and other seafood.
   • Cocos & Cachapas: Taste the island’s delicious cachapas and eat them under the palms.
2. Coche Island, Nueva Esparta State:
   • Fresh seafood: On the island, you can enjoy freshly caught fish and seafood in dishes like ceviche and fried snapper.
3. Guayana City, Bolívar State:
   • San Antonio de la Costa: Savor dishes based on river fish such as fried bocachico or cachama.
   • Parrillada Doña Rosa: Try the Venezuelan barbecue with meat, black pudding, sausage, and other accompaniments.

Discovering the gastronomy of Venezuela thanks to the Mirabal-Castro Tour and Gustavo Mirabal.

Thanks to Gustavo Mirabal’s tips, these places will add a unique dimension to your food tour in Venezuela. Each of them will offer you a variety of flavors and culinary traditions for visitors to enjoy. The difficult thing will not be deciding whether to do Gustavo Mirabal’s gastronomic routes or not but will be which of the routes to do first.