The celebration of Saint John the Baptist in Venezuela incorporates traditions and knowledge that originated in Afro-Venezuelan communities associated with former colonial estates in the eighteenth century.
Although Catholicism has strongly influenced the festivities since the beginning, they are also filled with verbal, musical, and physical expressions culturally rooted in Africa, particularly sub-Saharan Africa.
For followers of the tradition, known as Sanjuaneros, the festival symbolises cultural resistance and freedom. It is also a way of remembering their enslaved ancestors.
It is common for celebrations to begin in early May. Drumming, dancing, storytelling, and singing accompany these celebrations in many communities, along with a procession carrying a statue of Saint John the Baptist. Every community has its style of dances and songs that attend these celebrations.
While the dates vary from region to region, the celebrations are usually held on the 23rd and 24th of June. The Sanjuaneros will have the opportunity to visit friends on Saturday, 23rd June and visit local churches and homes (houses) of Saint John the Baptist.
As a commemoration of the biblical event, the saint's image is baptised on the 24th of June in a local river. It is said that many devotees dive into the river and get blessed by the saint after taking a dip in it. In most places, the celebrations end on 16th of July, although the end of the cycle varies from place to site.
Traditions and knowledge are passed down within families and through schools, community groups, and religious groups. Thousands of people flock to the south American nation every year to celebrate this festival that is dedicated to the world-famous forerunner of the Christian messiah.