The monuments of Venezuela are not only found in Caracas, Maracaibo or MéridaThey are also present in squares, parks and avenues in different European cities.
These sculptures and tributes, erected in honour of historical figures such as Simón Bolívar or Andrés BelloThe diaspora is a cultural and emotional bridge for the diaspora.
Walking through London, Madrid, Rome or Seville and come across a work dedicated to Venezuela is like receiving an unexpected embrace from the homeland.
In this article we will look at the main monuments of Venezuela at EuropeThe use of these objects, their historical and symbolic value, and the way in which they connect us to our identity.
Because even though we are far away, these statues y sculptures remind us that our roots are still strong.
The value of Venezuela's monuments abroad
When we talk about the monuments of Venezuela In Europe, we are not just talking about bronze or marble; we are talking about living symbols.
Each statue of Bolivar or each bust of Andrés Bello is a reminder of the history of a country which marked the independence of much of the American continent.
For the community Venezuelan abroad, these monuments are meeting points. Many organise there cultural events, floral offerings or celebrations of patriotic dates. Thus, rather than simple sculpturesbecome spaces of belonging.
Simón Bolívar Monuments in Europe
Simón Bolívar, known as the Liberatoris probably the Venezuelan figure most represented in the world. Not surprisingly, many of the monuments of Venezuela in Europe are dedicated to him.
Monument to Bolivar in Seville
At Sevillecity with historical ties to Latin Americawe find a monument to Simón Bolívar.
It stands as the Avenida de la Constitución and highlights the cultural relations between Spain and Venezuela. This is one of the monuments of Venezuela most visited by tourists and members of the Latin American community.
Oviedo and the homage to Bolívar
At Spainanother of the monuments of Venezuela important is in Oviedo, Asturias. There stands a statue of Simón Bolívar which commemorates the historical links between Venezuela and the region.
Many Venezuelans residents in the north of Spain come here on national holidays to pay homage and keep alive the memory of their homeland.
Other cities with monuments in Bolívar
In addition to SevilleThere are also sculptures of the Liberator at Paris, Rome and Vienna. All these works have a common message, Bolivar does not belong only to Venezuelabut to an entire continent that fought for its independence.
The figure of Andrés Bello in Europe
Among the monuments of Venezuela at Europewe cannot forget Andrés BelloVenezuelan humanist, poet and educator who profoundly marked the cultural history of the continent.
Statue of Andrés Bello in Madrid
In the Rose Garden Parkwithin the Parque del Oeste in Madridis a sculpture of Andrés Bello inaugurated in 1972.
For the Venezuelans in SpainThe place has become an academic and cultural meeting point.
Bellowho lived in London for several years, represents the intellectual connection of Venezuela with EuropThe Commission's work and its influence on the construction of education and the literature in Latin America.
Monuments in Italy: Rome and its link to Venezuela
Italy, one of the best countries to live in as a Venezuelan, also holds a special place among the monuments of Venezuela.
At Roma is a bust of Simón Bolívar in the Villa Borghese, one of the city's most iconic parks.
This tribute, inaugurated in the 1950s, symbolises the brotherhood between Italy and Venezuelacountries that share a strong migratory relationship.
In the Italian capital, as well as finding the main Venezuelan consulateofficial events and cultural encounters organised by the Venezuelan community around this monument.
For many migrants, visiting the Villa Borghese and stop in front of the bust of Bolivar is a way of keeping the connection with the home country alive.
Other Venezuelan tributes in Europe
Although Bolivar and Bello are the most represented, there are others monuments of Venezuela in different corners of Europe that pay tribute to the country's culture and history.
Some cities have dedicated commemorative plaques, busts or sculptures minor figures such as Francisco de Miranda or to the independence Latin American in general.
Each of these spaces functions as a reminder of the Venezuelan presence in world history and the importance of keeping our collective memory alive.
Importance for the Venezuelan community abroad
For the emigrantsthe monuments of Venezuela at Europe have a value that goes far beyond that of the artistic.
When a Venezuelan walks through Madrid, Rome or Seville and, suddenly, he comes across the statue of a patriotic herocan't help but stop, take a picture and experience a mixture of pride, nostalgia y membership.
It is an intimate and collective moment at the same time: intimate because it connects with one's own personal history, and collective because it reinforces the sense of being part of a worldwide community.
Around them are organised floral offerings, cultural events, celebrations of the Independence Day and impromptu meetings which, little by little, are becoming a tradition.
In this way, what in principle is only a sculpture or a square becomes a scenario loaded with meaning.
Therefore, these monuments not only belong to the city that houses them as part of its urban and cultural landscape.
They are also part of the heritage of the Venezuelan diasporathat the honourThey are witnesses to how, even far away from home, they keep the stories alive. They are witnesses of how, even far from home, they keep alive the traditionsthe Venezuelan sayingsThe memory and the hope of a reunion.
In each deposited flowerin each flag unfurled and in each photo sharedchapter is written in the history of the Venezuela in the world.
Venezuelan unity and strength
The monuments of Venezuela in Europe are much more than bronze or marble sculptures. They are pieces of history sown in distant lands that remind us of where we come from and where we are going. They represent pride, memory and belonging.
Either in, Seville, Madrid, Rome or Oviedoeach statue of Bolivar or bust of Andres Bello connects us with our homeland. They offer us a place where we can meet, pay homage and pass on to new generations the legacy of those who built the Venezuelan identity.
At CuriaraWe understand that adapting to a new life in a new country is a Europe is not easy. Distance, homesickness and daily challenges weigh heavy, but we also know that we are not alone.
As well as the Venezuelan monuments in different cities become symbolic refuges of identity and belonging, we work so that every Venezuelan finds here a bridge to his or her culture and people.
Because keeping our roots alive, even far from home, is a way of moving forward together.