Venezuelans march in Falcón state, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the passing of People's Musician Alí Primera. Photo: Últimas Noticias/José Rafael Gutiérrez.
The traditional March of the Red Carnations in Paraguaná Peninsula of Falcón state, Venezuela, commemorated the 40th anniversary of the passing of the people’s musician, Alí Primera, on Sunday, February 16.
The massive turnout consisted not only of locals from the state but also Venezuelans from all over the country who joined the march to honor the critical thinking and social struggle of Alí Primera who revolutionized the society with his lyrics and music.
The march started at 9 a.m., when Primera’s followers left the Alí Primera House Museum, in Los Taques municipality, and a marched along Fluor Street, the main avenue of the Old Airport, Comercio Street in Caja de Agua until reaching the municipal cemetery of Santa Elena where the musician rests.
Along the way, they sung the songs of the creator of the Canción Necesaria genre. In the cemetery, the marchers deposited their carnations at Primera’s tomb.
People attended the ceremony with flowers, their pets, wearing Afro wigs or shirts with Primera’s face, carrying posters, dolls and other objects, showing their pride for their revolutionary ideals. The journey was filled with music, camaraderie, joy, smiles, and dreams and declarations of keeping Venezuela free, sovereign and independent.
Governor Víctor Clark of Falcón state attended the traditional march, accompanied by Minister for Culture Ernesto Villegas, Deputy Genesis Garvett, and Grecia Colmenares and other regional leaders of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).
A legacy that is more alive than ever
The director of the Scientific, Criminal and Forensic Investigations Corps (CICPC), Douglas Rico, who participated in the march, said that the legacy of Alí Primera “is more alive than ever because there is still a nation to defend and a peace to fight for.”
Yemir Oviedo, an attendee, stated that he participated in the march to honor the singer-songwriter.
“It is wonderful to see how young people have come to know and become familiar with Primera who represents the social struggle. It is nice to see the respect shown by people from other states,” he said.
Eva Sánchez, a hardcore local Chavista supporter, 72 years of age, said that it is very exciting for her to participate in the march because it honors someone she considers a son.
Miriam Amaya, a teacher, emphasized that the marchers participated with a lot of love for Primera’s contributions to Venezuelan culture, especially in defense of the most humble and marginalized.
A tale for the new generations
As part of the agenda for the 40th anniversary, the Alí Primera Foundation held the presentation of the book Two Men and a Rainbow, illustrated by Carlos Vargas and is aimed at educating the new generations about Primera’s legacy.
Together with Sol Musset, Primera’s wife, his sister Mireya Padilla, and Governor Víctor Clark, the children and young people who participated in the march sprinkled the book with red carnation petals.
“The idea is that this seed should continue to strengthen the legacy left by our brother Yiyo and foster in the little ones the love of reading, with a story full of magic and meaning,” stated the authorities of the Alí Primera House Museum.
Alí Primera Order given to Falcón artists
Governor Víctor Clark bestowed the Alí Primera Order, designated by the Legislative Council of Falcón state, on 10 Falconian artists.
The artists who received the distinction are Jesús Vargas, Oscar Lázaro, Wilmer Yajure, María Blanca Kamel, Ramón Lugo, Doris Galicia, Manuel Arias, Vanessa Reyes, Juana Guanipa, y Antonio Díaz.
(Últimas Noticias) by Josmary Escalona
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/SC
