"Venezuela, one of the least-known countries in Latin America, is brilliantly spotlighted in Culture and Customs of Venezuela. This oil-rich nation sustained a stable democracy until the economic downturn in the 1980s, and changes in the social and political spheres brought the country under increasing scrutiny from the outside world.".

"Culture and Customs of Venezuela successfully portrays the sharp contrasts and immense variety of modern Venezuela and the country's cultural richness. Influences from the United States are inescapable but many distinctive traditions are continued throughout the country, varying from region to region.

Religious rituals and numerous festivals that take place in towns and villages and the vibrant music scene, all major expressions of the nation's social and cultural life, are just some of the highlights found herein. Students and interested readers will find engaging and authoritative overviews of the land, people, and history; religions; social customs; media; cinema; literature; performing arts; and art and architecture."--BOOK JACKET.