Not many people see the month of December as we usually see it in Venezuela... You see, practically from the first day of the last month of the year, Christmas is felt (which is not just one day, the 25th of December) but, culturally, it represents a feeling, a moment, a space to reflect, to give gifts, to enjoy, but above all to share. All of this can be seen in the streets since November, since now... It seems a bit confusing, but you only have to go out and walk around the streets to appreciate it.
The decorations in almost every house show that this (long awaited) time of the year is almost here. And with it, also the best season of the year; winter. During all these months, my city, my country, has debated between two well-defined periods: tropical heat, or rain with humidity. In Venzuela, winter is not even similar to what can be imagined in other latitudes. But it does bring with it three unique characteristics: a relatively cooler climate (around 27 degrees Celsius for 2 months in the days, and 16 at night) and the best food you can enjoy all year round.
Just by walking around a couple of times, not only can you appreciate the Christmas tree decorations, or the lights that embellish the facades of the houses, as in the cover photo of this post; the smells also become more suggestive and worthy of total inspiration. You see, the prelude to December is synonymous with preparations that can only be eaten at this time of year. Hallacas, pan de jamón, torta negra, ensalada de gallina, etc; these are just a few snacks that go hand in hand with celebrating Christmas, seeing the happiness in the children and crying a little at the end of the happy days.
The music and the good vibes of the people are another phenomenon that undergoes transformations as December approaches and autumn moves a day away at a time .... In May, to give just one example, which is spring, people don't greet anyone, the streets in the evenings, in the golden hours are virtually empty. This is partly because of the weather conditions and partly because there is not much desire to be overly friendly with each other. It's every man for himself.... That's why the cultural change is so marked and different. All the photos in this post are from a walk from my house to a bakery. The yellow flowers are radiant, the pine trees green and leafy, and little by little the noise of motorbikes and cars recedes to make way for carols and music of a more familiar and reflective time; Christmas.
Even taking pictures and feeling the sun's rays is not the same as in other months. The nights are slightly longer than the days, and therefore, the time to capture the proper light of a moment that everyone looks forward to is shortened. Clearly, not everyone feels the change in spirit or longs for these dates, probably due to personal reasons, but these are exceptions.... The rule is change towards a better, gentler and kinder society. Dedicated to the imagination, enjoyment and pleasure of the youngest members of the household, and to the spectacle of the senses. It provokes to look and admire more. Tasting and tasting more delicious foods, and walking and feeling the change of air, everything is fresher and feels immensely better. This is the prelude to December, and the prelude in my country to the holidays and celebrations.
All photographs and content used in this post are my own. Therefore, they have been used under my permission and are my property.