Venezuela designates the cuatro as its first cultural ambassador

The Venezuelan cuatro has been officially designated as the country’s first cultural ambassador. The accreditation ceremony took place at the Flor de Venezuela monument in Barquisimeto, Lara state.

In a joint effort between the Ministry of Culture and the Marca País Institute, the distinction aims to project Venezuela’s cultural identity to the international market and protect the nation’s intangible heritage. During the event, officials honored the work of luthiers and musicians who maintain the instrument's tradition.

Lara Governor Luis Reyes Reyes announced a school endowment program that will provide ten cuatros to each educational institution in the state. The ceremony included musical performances by young interpreters from El Sistema and recognized several prominent cuatristas, including Giovanny Vélez, Guísela Rojas, María Alvarado, Clauder Sánchez, and Gladys Sánchez.