KC’s Venezuelan community celebrates its own Independence Day

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — While July 4th is Independence Day for The United States, July 5th is Independence Day for Venezuela, and a festival in the West Bottoms on Saturday helped Kansas City area Venezuelan Americans celebrate.

Kelfel Aqui was one of the organizers, said that the festival celebrates Independence Day, but also recognizes the achievements of his band, Son Venezuela.

They’re celebrating their 30th anniversary together as a band and their induction into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame. They’re the first Latino band to receive the honor.

“We had to throw a party!” said Aqui. “We have been together uninterrupted playing in the area for 30 years and that’s a huge, huge accomplishment. Most bands don’t make it out of the garage!”

He said that being the first Latino band in the Kansas Music Hall of Fame will hopefully encourage other Latino bands.

“Well, somebody did it, so someone else will have the door open and that’s very fulfilling to us,” he said.

Food, music and dancing were all a part of the festivities.

“We’re going to be dancing a traditional dance,” said Maria Stredel. “This group started 10 years ago and we’re all from Venezuela.”

Stredel said that dancing is a great way to celebrate her Venezuelan heritage.

“I mean it’s super fun, we just get to show other people our culture.”

The large crowd kept the party lively, but for some Venezuelans it was a reminder of what’s happening in their country.

“The community has been growing and you know why?” asked Tatiana Padron. “Unfortunately, Venezuela is passing through a really difficult time right now, we have more than 8 million people fleeing from our country.”

Padron, who immigrated from Venezuela 12 years ago, attributed the migration to political turmoil and economic struggles.

“That has forced an exodus that we haven’t seen in the region ever,” said Aqui.

Padron mentioned the Venezuelan crowd at Friday’s Copa America match against Canada. The match held in Austin, Texas showed a large Venezuelan fan base supporting their team, and for Padron, it’s proof of the migration that she made more than a decade ago.

“That tells you how many people are here and that we are making a community and we’re trying to do the best,” she said.

Padron encouraged everyone to come to events like the festival to enjoy Venezuelan culture.

“Come to these places and enjoy the food, the music and the culture. It’s really fun!”

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