E D I T O R I A L
Artistic Twilight With a Tamunangue rhythm, the pink skies should spread their colors over Venezuela, our musical land; but beyond that eternal conjunction of crotchets and flats that can be heard in a “cuatro”, a feeling may be heard too. This is the cultural sense of the “Guaro”. Its vibration begins in “El Obelisco” and goes all way long, from the museum to the “Monumento al Sol”. Lara is full of art for epic instruments. It is handicraft in a multicolor Tintorero. It is the transformation of the eternal beauty in the wooden shades of a brave Guadalupe that appears surrounded with fruits and living sculptures of love and passion. El tocuyo ought to remain in the echo of history, when it points in the soil, into the very deep, and shows the strength of our Indian roots, which distinguish our Guaro skin. From this mud, magic hands have blossomed to play the guitar, so as sparrowhawks that will always fly over the dairy farms while singing. This land is composed of live letters from the centenary pages of national journalism. Lara is golpe, museums, architecture, and history. Lara must be ecology. It is the contact with our nature, in a Baradida landed in the heart of progress, technology, and willing television. A nest of sports, the land of Jacinto is. Cardenales are born and followed by excellence in sports and times of olympic glory. This is our subject matter. We will describe it and live it along all of our pages. We shall feel something deep for every single one of them. With a sigh, we must say “¡Ah mundo, Barquisimeto!” and then, we can connect it with a sincere “Na Guará” in the soul.
3 13 10
4 7
12
Liliana Timaure
Victoria Ni単o Eucaris molina
Milagro Atacho Rafael Quintero
2
General information: Barquisimeto is the capital of Venezuelan state, Lara, and the fourth most important city in the country. It is located in the Central-Western part of the It has a nation. total area of 1.600 km², and according to the 2011 census, the population recorded was 2.463.256. It was founded by Juan de Villegas in 1552, who thought the territory must have been named "Nueva Segovia de Barquisimeto". The Name Economy and Culture Barquisimeto has a great influence over the national economy and culture. Tourism, agriculture, and construction have contributed to the state's economic development. On the other hand, it also should be noted that the city is referred to as the musical capital of the country. Its vast tradition may include significant performers such as Pablo Canela, Alírio Díaz, and Gustavo Dudamel. Tourism Even though Barquisimeto has popular destinations for tourists (such as museums, churches, and theaters) many visitors look for nearby cities and suburbs. So, if you are interested in old history, admiring the colonial district of Carora could be an experience to remember. Go to see the archaeological areas of El Tocuyo (an earthquake struck the city in 1950). Hike the trails of Sanare, an outdoor town with hundreds of acres of beautiful mountain landscape. Quibor is also quite famous for its museums, ancient structures, and remains. Enjoy yourself in “Humocaro Alto”, or take a picture of the “Plaza Bolívar” in “Humocaro Bajo”, in the heart of that traditional village.
The name "Barquisimeto" could be a native word often translated as “dirty river, ashy or cloudy”. It may have been used in reference to the color of “Río Turbio” (a river which runs by the city). Experts have identified several forms of this word; for example: Variquecemeto, Barriquisimeto, Varaquisimeto, and Bariquisimeto. The similarities between all of them provide a hint on how the final word would have emerged among the Spanish explorers. The Sunsets “Cuidad
de los Crepusculos” (City of Sunsets) is a well-known nickname for Barquisimeto. The landscapes resulting from the intense orange and red colors are so beautiful in this region that local people feel proud about them. Even Simón Bolívar stated that it was worth losing a battle in Barquisimeto in order to see one of its sunsets.
3
Museo de Barquisimeto: By
Its History and Its People
Victoria Eugenia Ni単o . 31 years have now passed since the official opening of this jewel; nevertheless, there was a time when they almost tear it down! The history of this Museum is based on a fascinating series of transformations including jails, military headquarters, and hospitals, so it has been an amazing journey for this project to finally come true. In the beginning, it might have seemed like the hardest thing to do but in the end, it has been worth it. Nowadays, de
Museo
Barquisimeto
contains seven distinct, separate
showrooms,
conference
rooms,
beautiful green areas, shops, and a cafeteria. These the
facilities
Museum
individual
allow display and
collective works, so as handmade
collections
among several diverse exhibits.
4
It is located downtown Barquisimeto and may be considered a historical landmark. Since elements of Neo-Classical style are included in the original design, a colorful courtyard deserves special attention among the white halls and the corridors. In regard to the construction materials, it can be observed that walls were made of “adobe” (a blend of sand, clay, water, and different kinds of organic material). It also shows off radiant granite floors, wooden roofs and arched windows, so as a whole modern area added to the backyard of the Museum.
It all began with an old building located on three different but connected parcels of land, which are of great historic value these days. One of the parcels was owned by ancient “Hospital San Lorenzo”. A jail used to be on the second land lot until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1812. The third parcel could have been occupied by a local family for many years. But that situation suddenly changed.
5
It must be said that a new health care institution was built on the area. It was known as “Hospital de la Caridad” and was conceived by Doctor Antonio Maria Pineda, German Engineer Justo Rosemberg, and many other citizens. It was established in 1918 (but renamed “Hospital Antonio Maria Pineda” later). As the years went by, people thought it should be moved at the end of Av. Vargas, so the building was left empty.
Then, the place turned over to a military soldiers
quarter, from
housing
“Batallón
Piar”.
They left the building in so poor conditions that even demolition was
thought
as
a
solution.
Fortunately, a large group of people worked very hard for its restoration (as Raúl Azparren and Gustavo Adolfo Anzola), so it would be possible to open as a museum in 1982
6
This internationally acclaimed structure was the Venezuela Pavilion at Expo 2000, a World's Fair held in Hannover, which was attended by delegations from 30 countries. The impressive architectural space was designed by renowned Venezuelan architect Fruto Vivas and entitled "A Flower to the World." The structure was inspired by the imposing monolithic tepuis rising in La Gran Sabana, as well as the national flower of Venezuela, the orchid. The
18m-high
flower
is
characterized
by
the
lightness of its structure, made of steel and glass, including 16 10m-high tensotextil petals, which open and close depending on the weather. Different facilities may be found inside the building, such as areas for art and interpretive exhibitions, and an auditorium. The content of the exhibition is based on Venezuelan biodiversity (aquariums, fauna and flora samples), besides some other areas destined to special types of presentations and events.
Petals
7
3rd Floor
1st Floor
LEVELS OF THE FLOWER Country Level: a map of Venezuela might be displayed on the floor, at the feet of the visitor. This will be illuminated by regions to illustrate the geographical richness of our country. At this level, iconic characters as Simón
Bolívar
and
Alexander
Humboldt
are
highlighted,
so
as
archaeological remains brought from the Museo Arqueológico de Quíbor (Municipio Jiménez). Also, piranhas should be shown in aquariums. Culture Level: the richness and diversity of fish and Orinoco River, so as other regions
of
Bolívar
and
Amazonas
States would be
appreciated at this point. There are 16 aquariums with various species such as bagre, white and black pacu, pompano, stripped catfish, black catfish, stripped sailfin, and other sea catfish and ornamental fish. Flora
Level:
13.000
plants
admired
around can
between
be the
external areas and the third
level
of
the
building. All of them are a
fairly
representative
sample of the floras from the different Venezuelan regions.
8
This beautiful building spread its petals on December 23, 2008, and is currently one of the most important symbols in the city of Barquisimeto. As a tourist attraction it has become a great space for public recreation and must be considered a place of interest for tourists to visit. It was declared as a masterpiece of Cultural Heritage in Venezuela, on June 27 2013, by Decree in Gaceta Oficial number 40.197. According to architect Fruto Vivas, the building has three main purposes: preservation of nature, education, and tourism, so that people can visit it. This cultural icon can be seen in all its splendor in Avenida Bracamonte, esquina Avenida Venezuela, Barquisimeto, Venezuela. Could we go to see it? Liliana Timaure
9
El Teatro Juares es un teatro ubicado en la Carrera 19 con Calle 25, en el centro de la ciudad de Barquisimeto, en el estado Lara, Venezuela. Es la primera sala de espectáculos del estado. Fue inaugurado en el año 1905 con el nombre de "Teatro Municipal". Con más de 100 años, se le han realizados diversas reformas, y ha constituido un icono cultural para la ciudad, en donde se realizan espectáculos y manifestaciones culturales, lo que también es de atractivo para los turistas.
TEATRO JUARES Teatro Juares, is the
the people from
would improve the
oldest and most important
Barquisimeto, and a “must
appearance of towns
playhouse in Barquisimeto,
see” for tourists and
and cities all around the
Estado Lara. It provides a
audiences of any type.
world. So, it can be
great venue for music, tih¿gup
dance, and theater performances. For that reason, hundreds of distinguished productions have taken place on its stage. It is located on Carrera 19 (which should be considered as one of the
said that Teatro
History
Juares´s origins are the
Planning began more than
same that Teatro
100 years ago, when many
Municipal in Caracas,
governments focused on the
Teatro Colón in Buenos
construction of monuments
Aires, Carnegie Hall in
and major facilities.
New York, and Eiffel
Theaters, opera houses, and
Tower in Paris, since
commemorative buildings
the foundations for all
central business districts in
of them started in
the city). Its structure was
1890.
designed to be the principal
Originally known simply
performing arts center in
as "Teatro Municipal",
the region. As a consequence, it ought to remain as a cultural icon to
Teatro Municipal, Carrera 19 facade, 1905.
10
it was renamed “Teatro
properly. Stage lighting and
Dudamel and the brilliant
Juares” in 1912, when
sound reinforcement system
Orquesta Sinfónica Del
members of the “Consejo
had become obsolete.
Estado Lara. That night,
Municipal” decided they
Restrooms maintained such
the old theater came back
must have called it after a
bad conditions that a huge
to its rich tradition of
very important citizen. Later,
restoration process was
honoring creativity and
in 1948, several alterations
required. The façade and
artistic expression at the
were made to the building,
other structures also needed
highest level. Since then,
including a complete façade
repair and rehabilitation.
it has prevailed as a
renovation, so as a deep transformation of the main hall. Backstage and areas reserved for performers and crew members were also created or improved. This allowed the structure to be home to some of the most prestigious performances in
Teatro Juares only could open to the public in 2009, when every single piece of work was perfectly accomplished. It was
permanent venue for musicians, actors, and dancers, so as any other kind of performers from anywhere in the world.
celebrated with a charming ceremony attended by
Eucaris Molina
Maestro Gustavo
the city for a period of 50 years. Then, in 2001, it was necessary to radically transform the theater again
Teatro Municipal at the beginning of the restoration process, 1905.
in order to modernize it; nevertheless, it took almost ten years this time to complete the renovations. The enormous central air conditioner was not working
Teatro Juares, nowadays.
11
During the administration of President Marcos Pérez Jiménez in 1952, with Esteban Agudo Freytes as Governor of Estado Lara, massive construction of memorials and public facilities was the norm. They celebrated the 400th anniversary of the foundation of Barquisimeto this way. So, “El Obelisco” was erected as a national monument by Engineers Willis Acosta and Adrian Acosta Marino. It is located at the West of the city and might be considered as the highest icon in Venezuela. The structure consists of a rectangular 75m-high base tower, which is composed mostly of concrete and steel. The place of honor is occupied by a huge clock at the upper end. Also, there is a viewpoint place that ought to be reached by elevator. Once there, people can appreciate the beauty of the whole city. Milagro Atacho R.
12
The Cathedral de Barquisimeto was the first major project built by John Bergcamp. It was completed in 1968 and represents a very high point of architecture/engineering collaboration. Its most notable characteristic is the hyperbolic paraboloid-shaped ceiling which is composed of hundreds of acrylic panels. In architectural terms, it may be considered a good example of modernism, especially for the beauty and novelty of the design.
The Beginnings Construction began in 1636, when permission was granted by Governor Francisco Nunez Melena; nevertheless, the foundations were struck by a major earthquake in 1812, so it could not be finished until 1865. Later, in 1950, another earthquake damaged the structure, affecting mostly the altar. As a result, the Ministerio de Obras PĂşblicas (Ministry of Public Works) decided to demolish most parts of the building, protecting only the original bell tower (1865) and the clock (1888). This gave Bergcamp the opportunity to become responsible for a whole new project which started in 1953. The main features of his design were the contrast between simplicity and beauty, so as the originality of the style. This combination might be
13
seen across the four naves which extend from the entries, and form the main body of the church. They also give the structure a different configuration when compared to other traditional cathedrals. To understand it, it must be noticed that cathedrals are usually erected according to longitudinal ground plans (in the form of a Latin Cross), while the model proposed by Bergcamp is wide spread and locates the altar in front of a crescent-shaped structure.
People from Barquisimeto ought to be proud of their monument. It becomes clear every year, on January 14, when they reunite between its walls to celebrate the Feast Day of La Divina Pastora. A touching celebration is held there with music and prayers, after the parade through the streets is done. After all, they have taken the image from Santa Rosa to the cathedral since 1855 …and they will keep on doing so year after year. Rafael Quintero
14