Caracas, – Thousands gathered in Caracas today for the annual March of the Carnations, a tribute to the late Venezuelan singer-songwriter Alí Primera. The event, organized by the National Music Company and the Cultural Mission, commemorates the 41st anniversary of Primera’s death and celebrates his enduring legacy of social commentary and musical innovation.
The march began at 10:00 AM at the Alí Primera House of Freedom and Culture, located in the San Carlos Barracks, and proceeded through the city center to Plaza Bolívar. Participants included popular musicians, writers, artists, and cultural promoters, all united in honoring the “Cantor del Pueblo” (Singer of the People).
Alí Primera, who died in a car accident on the Valle-Coche highway in Caracas on , was renowned for using his music as a platform to address social injustices and support popular struggles. His songs, often characterized by a raw and direct lyrical style, resonated deeply with working-class Venezuelans and continue to be anthems of social consciousness.
The March of the Carnations is visually striking, with participants carrying red carnations – a symbol deeply associated with Primera and his message. The event isn’t merely a memorial; it’s a vibrant celebration of his music, with attendees singing his iconic songs throughout the march. At Plaza Bolívar, the culmination of the march, the atmosphere transformed into a festival of music, art, and poetry, a fitting tribute to a man who embodied those very elements.
Primera’s catalog includes numerous well-known songs, such as “Techos de Cartón” (Cardboard Roofs), “Tin Marín,” “Madre Déjame Luchar” (Mother, Let Me Fight), “La Patria es el Hombre” (The Homeland is the People), and “Los que Mueren por la Vida” (Those Who Die for Life). These songs, and many others, tackled themes of poverty, political oppression, and the importance of social solidarity.
The event underscores Primera’s continued relevance in Venezuelan society. His music remains powerfully resonant, and his message of social justice continues to inspire activists and artists alike. The march serves as a reminder of his commitment to the marginalized and his unwavering belief in the power of the people.
The National Music and Cultural Mission Company, operating under the Ministry of Popular Power for Culture, emphasized the importance of the march as a way to commemorate Primera’s physical departure and celebrate his enduring spirit. The organization highlighted the participation of “popular cultivators, writers, artists and cultural promoters” in the “walk of love and hope.”
Beyond Venezuela, Primera’s influence extends throughout Latin America. He was a key figure in the Nueva Canción movement, a politically engaged musical genre that flourished in the 1960s and 70s, and his songs have been covered by artists across the region. His commitment to social justice and his ability to connect with ordinary people continue to make him a beloved figure for many.
The March of the Carnations isn’t simply a nostalgic look back; it’s a reaffirmation of the values that Alí Primera championed. In a Venezuela facing ongoing economic and political challenges, his message of hope and resistance feels particularly potent. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the role that art and music can play in social change and the importance of remembering those who have fought for a more just and equitable world.
The march concluded with a gathering in Plaza Bolívar, where artists and attendees alike celebrated Primera’s life and work through music, poetry, and artistic expression. The event served as a powerful demonstration of the enduring legacy of the Cantor del Pueblo and his continued impact on Venezuelan culture and society.
