A homemade herbal liqueur from the Venezuelan Andes, traditionally consumed to stay warm while traveling through the high-altitude moorlands known as the paramo. It is called calentaito because it warms the body up in the middle of such intense cold. (The paramo is a cold, high-altitude ecosystem found in the northern Andes).
Son, come here and let's have a calentaito now that the cold has arrived. / This calentaito is the best thing for the cold so I don't get altitude sickness.
Small boiled cornmeal dumplings. They are made by dropping dough into boiling water and are usually served with cheese, butter, or a savory cream (natilla). They are a staple for breakfast or dinner, especially in the Andean region.
These bollitos are delicious. / We are having bollitos for dinner tonight since they are very quick to make.
A very common sweet treat made from the squash of the same name. It can be prepared in various ways and is common in the Andean region (in Venezuela, this refers to the mountainous states in the west).
Sweetie, come and try this delicious zapallo treat. / Today we will make zapallo preserve to eat with crackers.
This is the common term for potatoes. The country produces a wide variety of them, differing in species, colors, and flavors.
I am going to make some papas fritas with the chicken. Damn, these papas are so good, holy crap. (Note: vergacion and que molleja are regional exclamations from the Zulia state).
A fast-paced, catchy genre of folk music and dance from the Venezuelan Andes. It is characterized by a style where partners hold hands and move their arms vigorously up and down (it is traditional party music from the mountain regions of Mérida, Táchira, and Trujillo).
It is time for some great Raspa Canilla. / Look at those two, dancing Raspa Canilla.
A term for people from the Venezuelan Andes, specifically the states of Merida, Tachira, and Trujillo. It is used both affectionately and as a slur. Because the Andean region is less crowded and has a slower pace of life, the word is sometimes used to imply someone is slow-witted or foolish. (The Venezuelan Andes are known for having a colder climate and a more reserved, polite culture than the Caribbean coast).
Wow, that gocha is really beautiful and very smart. But you just had to be a gocha, man, everything here has to be done so fast, if you don't keep moving, they will walk right over you.
A traditional outer garment or cloak worn in the Venezuelan Andes and plains. It is a square, circular, or triangular piece of fabric, usually wool or cotton, with an opening in the center for the head. (The Andes are cold mountain ranges, while the llanos are vast tropical grasslands).
My poncho ripped and I prefer triangular ponchos, they look nicer.
Venezuela
Perú