European Union jazz festival honors Venezuela earthquake victims

The European Union brought its fourth Eurovenezolano Jazz Festival to La Guaira, Venezuela, to support communities affected by the devastating double earthquakes that struck on June 24. The event marks 100 days since the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 tremors, which resulted in more than 6,500 deaths.

EU Ambassador to Venezuela Gilles Bertrand stated the festival was intended as a “hug to the communities of La Guaira,” serving as a way to accompany those in mourning and support their process of reinvention. The La Guaira session was held at the Teatro Municipal Pedro Elías Gutiérrez.

The performances featured artists from the Netherlands, Germany, and Portugal, alongside members of Venezuela’s National System of Youth and Children's Orchestras and Choirs. Notable performers included Portuguese singer Sofía Ribeiro, who blended jazz with various cultural rhythms.