Cultural recognition for traditional masters in Peru and Venezuela

In Peru, the Ministry of Culture has recognized two masters from Ayacucho as Meritorious Personalities of Culture for their work in preserving regional traditions. Abilio Soto Yupanqui was honored for his five decades of work as an educator, musician, writer, and artisan dedicated to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Eliseo Galindo Coritomay received the distinction for over forty years of teaching and promoting the Chimaycha con Chinlili, a practice declared National Cultural Heritage.

In Venezuela, the Ministry of Popular Power for Culture and the Marca País Institute officially declared the Venezuelan cuatro as the country’s first Cultural Ambassador. The certification ceremony took place in Barquisimeto, Lara state, to highlight the instrument’s international reach and its role in strengthening national identity. The event included performances by young musicians from El Sistema and an announcement regarding a school equipment program to provide instruments to local educational institutions.