Venezuela’s carnival is inherently linked to Afro-Venezuelan culture as well as music and culture shared by their neighbors, Trinidadian immigrants who came to work in gold mines. Trinidadian exports like soca and calypso have been adopted into Venezuela’s carnival experience. Yet there is much Venezuelan culture featured in El Callao Carnival. Drums, or tambors pelt out pulsating beats, they are a must for Carnival. Floats take to the streets each depict a unique theme, or carry the beautiful carnival queens. Others carry “Madamas” or the Madams of Venezuela. The young women who wear these costumes honor the history of African history in Venezuela. Madamas are seen in colorful dresses, bright head wraps, and thick bangle jewelry. There is no carnival in Venezuela without the Madamas.
