After eight years living in exile, a Stroud resident is turning a personal journey of survival into a vibrant celebration of culture and community.
VIVA VENEZUELA, taking place on Saturday, February 28 at the Stroud Valleys Artspace (SVA), aims to connect the UK community with the Venezuelan diaspora through food, music, and first-hand storytelling.
The event’s founder, Oriana Fuguet, left Venezuela on February 16, 2018, fleeing a country gripped by political turmoil. In the UK, the focus was on rebuilding a life of stability and opportunity. Recent shifts in Venezuela, however, have reignited nostalgia and a desire to reconnect with their roots.
“For years, returning was not an option, and I had to put Venezuela out of my mind to survive,” said Oriana. “But hope has returned. I felt an overwhelming need to get together with my people, to hear our language, eat our food, and experience that unique Latino warmth. These times have been made harder by a lack of understanding from those outside our community. I want to change that.
“This isn’t just my story; it’s the story of many Venezuelans living right here in the UK.
“We want the public to hear us, share our culture, and celebrate the hope that has finally hit full force.”
VIVA VENEZUELA offers an immersive cultural experience that goes beyond headlines:
- Authentic Venezuelan Cuisine: Savor traditional dishes and the warmth of Latino hospitality.
- Cultural Expression: Enjoy live music, dance, and celebrations of Venezuelan heritage.
- Personal Storytelling: Hear first-hand accounts from members of the diaspora about resilience, survival, and hope.
Tickets for VIVA VENEZUELA are available now at https://www.sva.org.uk/events/2026/2/28/viva-venezuela. Members of the press are invited to attend and interview the organizers and participants.
About VIVA VENEZUELA
VIVA VENEZUELA is a cultural showcase and community gathering dedicated to highlighting Venezuelan heritage and the stories of the diaspora in the UK. Through food, art, and personal testimony, the event fosters understanding, empathy, and a stronger sense of community.
