Venezuela - interesting facts. Venezuela: message
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brief information
Once upon a time, Arthur Conan Doyle wrote a science fiction novel, The Lost World, which described the adventures of an English scientific expedition in South America. Few people know that Conan Doyle was inspired to write this novel by the Canaima National Park, located in Venezuela. Now Venezuela can hardly be called a “lost world”. Thanks to large oil reserves, recreation infrastructure on the Caribbean Sea is rapidly developing in this country.
Geography of Venezuela
Venezuela is located on the northern coast South America. Venezuela is bordered in the west by Colombia, in the east by Guyana, and in the south by Brazil. In the north, the country is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea. total area– 916,445 sq. km., and total length state border – 4,993 km.
Venezuela includes numerous small islands, the largest of which is Margarita Island, which is now a popular South American resort.
The territory of Venezuela can be divided into four physical-geographical regions: the Maracaibo lowlands in the northwest, the mountains in the north, the plains in the central part, and the Guiana Highlands in the southeast. The highest local peak is Bolivar Peak, whose height reaches 4,979 meters.
In the south of the country, in the Canaima National Park, there is the world's highest waterfall - Angel Falls, whose total height is 979 meters.
There are about 1,000 rivers in Venezuela, but most of them are very small. The largest and most important local river is the Orinoco, which is 2,500 kilometers long.
Capital
Caracas is the capital of Venezuela. More than 3.2 million people now live in this city. Caracas, like many other South American cities, was founded by the Spaniards (this happened in 1567).
Official language of Venezuela
There is only one official language - Spanish.
Religion
About 92% of the population is Catholic.
Government structure of Venezuela
According to the Constitution, Venezuela is a federal presidential republic, headed by a President elected for 6 years. Executive power belongs to the President, as well as the Vice-President and ministers.
The unicameral local parliament is called the National Assembly and consists of 162 deputies.
The main political parties are the ESPV (United Socialist Party of Venezuela), the Coalition of Democratic Unity and the Communist Party.
Administratively, the country is divided into 23 states, one Federal District (Caracas region) and Federal Domains (islands in the Caribbean). The states, in turn, are divided into 335 municipalities.
Climate and weather
The climate varies from alpine to humid tropical, with slight temperature changes (the country is located near the equator). Therefore, you can vacation in Venezuela all year round.
Cool weather occurs from November to February, especially in high mountain areas. The hottest months are July and August. The average annual air temperature is +30C.
The rainy season is from May to mid-November. However, heavy rains sometimes occur during the dry season, which lasts from December to April.
Sea in Venezuela
In the north, the country is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea. The length of the sea coast is 2,800 km. The average sea temperature near the coast from January to March is +26C, and from July to September - +28C.
Rivers and lakes
There are about 1,000 rivers in Venezuela. The largest of them is the Orinoco River, which is 2,500 kilometers long. The Orinoco is considered the eighth longest river in the world and the second in South America (the Amazon is in first place).
Culture
The culture of Venezuela was formed under the influence of local Indians and immigrants from Africa and Europe. For example, after the arrival of the Spaniards in this country as folk musical instruments Violins and guitars began to be used, and after the arrival of Africans, drums.
Traditional local folk dance– “Joropo”, which has 36 variations of basic steps (this is a pair dance).
Main religious holiday– Christmas, its celebration begins on December 16 and continues until January 6. To this day, during the Christmas season, local musicians go from house to house and perform traditional “aguinaldos” songs.
In February, Venezuela hosts a grandiose Carnival, which, according to some tourists, is no worse than in Brazil.
Venezuelan cuisine
The cuisine of Venezuela was formed under the influence of the culinary traditions of local Indians, French, Italians and Spaniards. Near the sea coast, the menu of Venezuelans is dominated by fish and seafood, while in the interior of the country – corn and rice. A very important part of Venezuelan cuisine is meat (beef, lamb, chicken, etc.).
We recommend that tourists try “Pabellon” (beef stew with rice, black beans and banana), “Hallaca” (beef, chicken or fish soup with potatoes and vegetables), “Pernil” (fried pork with garlic, vinegar and oregano), “ Chivo al coco" (goat meat in coconut milk, served with mashed green bananas), "Empandas" (fried cornmeal pies with with different fillings), "Tequeños" (long small rolls filled with hot cheese or chocolate).
Traditional soft drinks – “Batido” (very thick fruit juice), “Cocada” (milkshake made from coconut milk, common in coastal areas), "Frescolita" (similar to cream soda).
Traditional alcoholic drinks are Chicha (fermented drink with rice, milk and sugar), rum and beer.
Attractions
The most important tourist attraction in Venezuela is Angel Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in the world. Every year tens of thousands of tourists from different countries peace. True, to get to this waterfall, you first need to overcome a road through the jungle, about 3 kilometers long.
Venezuelan national parks are of great interest to tourists; the best of them are the National Parks of Avila, Mochima, Medanos de Colo, Morocoy, Canaima, Enri Pitié, La Mucuy, El Avila and Sierra Nevada.
In Medanos de Colo National Park, tourists can see real sand dunes, characteristic of Asian and African countries. It's very unusual to see them in tropical country. But the strangest thing is that the height of these dunes often reaches 40 meters, and they disappear very quickly. The reason for this is the constant wind.
We also recommend visiting Canaima National Park. Many of us have read Conan Doyle's novel The Lost World. So, it was the Venezuelan Canaima National Park that inspired the famous Englishman to write this novel.
Pay attention to the Orinoco River Delta with its untouched tropical forest nature. Such beautiful jungles with unique flora and fauna cannot be found in any other country in the world.
Cities and resorts of Venezuela
The largest big cities are Maracaibo, Caracas, Valencia, Ciudad Guayana, Maracay, Barquisimeto and Barcelona.
The most famous place in Venezuela for beach holiday is Margarita Island, located in the southern Caribbean Sea. Margarita has a well-developed beach recreation infrastructure, beautiful snow-white beaches, palm trees and excellent conditions for water sports.
There are also excellent beaches in the Mochima National Park. Sandy bays, numerous small islands, snow-white and red sandy beaches await tourists there. This location is great for water sports, including diving and sailing.
North of Caracas are the coral islands of the Los Roques archipelago, where last years The tourism industry is actively developing.
Beautiful, secluded beaches can be found in the Morokoi National Park, near which, by the way, there is a rare bird reserve.
Souvenirs/shopping
Typical souvenirs from Venezuela include handicrafts, hammocks, dolls, jewelry, figurines of Indian chiefs, traditional Indian clothing, sandals, Indian bows and arrows, coffee and cocoa.
Office hours
10 main facts about Venezuela that tourists need to know
1.Venezuela was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1498. And the name was given to it by Amerigo Vespucci, who wandered near Lake Maracaibo and saw Indian dwellings on the water. They reminded him strongly of Venice, and then it was decided to call the new land “Venezuela,” that is, “Little Venice.”
2. There is a cult of Simon Bolivar in Venezuela.. At one time (in the first half of the 19th century), he liberated the countries of South America from colonists, and almost created a huge state similar to the USA - the United States of South America, Gran Colombia. According to his plan, it would be one of the most influential states in the world.
The veneration of Bolivar by Venezuelans is similar to the veneration of Vladimir Lenin by the inhabitants of the USSR during the era of communism. The highest peak in the country is 5000 meters, called Bolivar Peak. Money in Venezuela is “bolivar”. You will see the image of the national hero everywhere: on the streets, in homes and offices. In schools, children study Bolivar's biography in detail. In big and small cities there is always a place named after the leader of the revolution. Usually this is the central square where his monument is erected. By existing rule, if Bolivar won a battle near the city, then his bronze statue should “sit” on a horse and with a weapon.
In the capital of Venezuela, Caracas, there are three main places: the house in which Simon Bolivar was born and raised, the National Pantheon, where his remains are located, and the presidential palace, in which there is an empty chair that participates in all cabinet meetings. The country's former president Hugo Chavez said, that this is a chair in which the ghost of Simon Bolivar sits.
The end of Bolivar's political path is interesting. “With tears in his eyes, he said: “Independence is the only thing we have achieved. At the cost of everything else." After this he went into exile. Eight months later, the former leader of the revolution died of tuberculosis. And Gabriel Garcia Marquez was inspired by this story and wrote a book about the collapse of all illusions, “The General in His Labyrinth.”
3. 1 liter of gasoline in Venezuela costs about 47 kopecks. For 1 dollar you will fill the tank full. Venezuela is one of the world's richest countries in terms of mineral reserves (the country ranks 4th in the world in oil production and third in its exports).
4. Venezuela has the world's tallest waterfall. It is called Salto Angel, and has nothing to do with angels. Its name comes from the American pilot James Angel, who crashed near the falls in 1935. The Pemon Indians who live nearby call it the “Waterfall of the Deepest Place.” Water pours from a height of almost 1 kilometer (979 meters). It is so high that the water does not reach the ground, turning into dense fog. The waterfall is located in the tropical Canaime National Park of Venezuela.
5. The capital of Venezuela, Caracas, has one of the highest crime rates in the world.. Venezuelans are even a little proud of this, as one of their strong qualities. In Caracas there is such a thing: barrios. The poor live there, and the level of crime there is such that the state police don't even dare go there without heavy equipment. In fact, Barios residents do not pay taxes, and of course, they do not pay for utilities. The most interesting thing is that the residents of these slums consider themselves happy people. About 95% of Venezuelans answered the question “Are they satisfied with their lives” - “Yes”.
6. The official language in Venezuela is Spanish. Few people speak English, even in tourist places.
7. 96% of the country's believers are Catholics, about 2% are Protestants, and 2% are from other denominations. On the island of Margaret, Saint Virgen del Valle is especially revered. Locals affectionately call her “virgensita” and worship her in almost every home.
9. The most traditional fast food in Venezuela– arepas (corn tortillas) and empanadas – fried corn flour pies filled with meat, cheese, fish, eggs or vegetables. The national snack is “tequeños” - crispy cheese sticks fried in dough. The most popular drinks on Margarita: alcoholic cocktail “cuba libre” - rum and cola, “hugo de parcita” - passion fruit juice with sugar, “hugo de licosa” - papaya juice and coffee (“con leche” - with milk) , "cocada" - coconut drink with milk and rum, "papellon con lemon" - juice from sugar cane with lemon.
10. Mañana– a concept that characterizes the character of Venezuelans. Manyana means “tomorrow”. That is, “let’s leave everything for later.” Writer Isabel Allende in her book “Eva Luna” explained the reasons for the Latin American mentality: “There has never been hunger here. Whatever it is, you can reach out and pick a mango. It shaped our character."
Colorful Venezuela is famous for its numerous Miss Worlds and endless TV series. For tourists, there are mountain landscapes of the Andes, the resort island of Margarita and the ancient cities of the conquistadors, waterfalls and national parks...
IN Venezuela there are: a) old cities of the conquistadors, b) a couple of thousand kilometers of beaches, c) the absolutely unearthly beauty of the Andes, d) a great river Orinoco , e) the world's highest waterfall Angel . And this entire list is surrounded by luxurious flora, under whose shelter amazing animals live: ocelot, tapir and armadillo, not counting the darling anteater and anaconda (of course, also darlings, but in a slightly different sense). By the way, not one or two Venezuelans won the different time world beauty contests (and continue to win). This is so, by the way, it had to be.
The role of tourists in Venezuela are usually individuals with passports stamped to the very least “I don’t want to”, a long track record of countries visited and a fat wallet.
Capital - Caracas . Main tourist centers -Margaret Island , National parks.
Visa to Venezuela
Citizens of Russia and the CIS do not require a visa to enter Venezuela for a period of up to 90 days.
Customs
The import and export of foreign and local currency is not limited, amounts over 10,000 USD, gold and jewelry must be declared. Persons over 18 years of age are allowed duty-free import of 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars, 2 liters of alcoholic beverages, 4 bottles of perfume, as well as other packaged goods worth no more than 1000 USD.
The import and export of vegetables, plants or materials of plant origin, drugs and drug-containing preparations, meat and meat products, firearms and ammunition (requiring appropriate permission from local police authorities), as well as objects and things of historical, artistic or archaeological value is prohibited.
Climate of Venezuela
Caracas
Average monthly temperature, °C
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
during the day +27 +28 +29 +29 +29 +28 +27 +28 +28 +28 +28 +28
at night +16 +16 +17 +19 +20 +19 +19 +19 +19 +19 +18 +17
Most of the country's territory is dominated by a subequatorial climate. And since it is located only slightly north of the equator, the temperature there varies little throughout the year. For example, in Caracas - from +18 to +20 °C, and in Maracaibo - from +27 to +29 °C. In mountainous areas, the temperature in January ranges between +4..+9°C, but in summer it can reach +23°C.
The best time to visit the country is from November to May , but some world famous attractions ( Angel Falls and others) are most picturesque during the rainy season. During the dry season, it is impossible to get to the waterfall by land - only by helicopter. See also the current weather forecast for the main Venezuelan resorts in the coming days.
Banks and exchange offices in Venezuela
Banks are usually open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 15:30. Currency can be exchanged at casa de cambio exchange offices, at the airport, banks, hotels, shops and transport agencies.Exchanging local currency back is not an easy task.
In the capital and large resort areas you can pay with credit cards. There are many ATMs, but they often have a limited supply of bills. Travel checks can only be cashed at branches of large banks: exchange offices only work in cash. USD and EUR are widely accepted in the country, especially in markets and private establishments.
Despite some limitations of credit cards, they are worth using in Venezuela. And here's why: except above restrictions for currency exchange, the country has established state control over all foreign exchange transactions. The official dollar exchange rate is 2.15 VEB, but on the black market it is much higher. To avoid becoming a victim of speculation, it is better to deal with cash as little as possible.
Transport
Bus service in the country is well developed (unlike railway service). There are stations in all major cities, and buses there usually stick to a schedule. In remote areas the situation is somewhat different - flights are infrequent, outdated buses operate, schedules are constantly changing and it is very difficult to plan a trip.
Ferries operate between Puerto La Cruz and Margarita Island (3-5 hours depending on the type of vessel). All major cities have an extensive system of public passenger transport - buses and minibuses.
During the rainy season, many roads are washed out, traffic on them is very difficult, or even stops altogether for several days or even weeks.
Car rental in Venezuela
Renting a car in Venezuela is not a cheap pleasure. A class A car will cost at least 70 USD per day, plus mileage is paid separately. To be able to turn the steering wheel yourself, you must be over 21 years old, have at least 3 years of driving experience, a credit card and an international license.
Tourist safety
In recent years, the crime rate in the country has increased significantly. Therefore, moving around the capital at night is not recommended, and the city center is considered unsafe even in the evening. Outside of Caracas, security problems are less severe.
It is recommended to avoid swimming in local freshwater bodies
(water in swimming pools is usually chlorinated and is safe). For drinking, brushing teeth or ice, use only boiled or bottled water. Vegetables must be thoroughly washed and processed, and fruits must be skinned.
Travel around the country during the Christmas and Easter holidays, Carnival and Holy Week - not the brightest idea.At this time, half the country is traveling somewhere, and there is a shortage of tickets and hotel rooms.
Always carry insect repellent with you
and stay only in hotels whose rooms are equipped with mosquito nets.
A traveler flying to Venezuela directly from Russia does not require vaccinations. But if before that he decides to visit Ecuador or Peru, it is necessary to get vaccinated. It is also worth doing if the tour includes visiting areas of the Amazon. Full list Any necessary or recommended vaccinations should be checked with your doctor.
Venezuela Hotels
Hotel classification in Venezuela is standard five-star, with high requirements to the service. Moreover, hotels not only correspond to the declared star rating, but sometimes even noticeably exceed it. For example, a simple “three ruble” can boast a level of service similar to that of a good 4* hotel.
Electrical voltage 110 V, 60 Hz. American type sockets with two pins.
Shopping and stores
The best souvenir from Venezuela is, of course, rum. Also popular are original local products, such as painted clay dolls, as well as hammocks, baskets, colorful capes and openwork baskets made by local Indians. Aromatic local coffee and chocolate are a must.
Most stores in the country are open from 8:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, but outside Caracas many shops close by noon and do not open until 14:00-15:00. Many shopping centers open until 21:00-22:00.
Cuisine and restaurants of Venezuela
Like many other countries Latin America, the basis of Venezuelan cuisine is meat, legumes, corn, special bananas, as well as many vegetables and spices, often used in the most unpredictable combinations.
Tips are usually 10% of the bill. Most bars and restaurants automatically add this amount to the bill, but even in this case, it is customary to tip the waiter directly. More often than not, money is simply left on the table.
A special attraction of Merida - local ice cream parlor "Koromoto". This establishment is rightfully included in the Guinness Book of Records, as it has the widest assortment in the world. In addition to amazing fruity and sweet varieties, you can try ice cream flavored with shrimp, beer, sardines and even garlic!
The most popular word in Venezuela is “manana” ", which is here in addition to its original value“tomorrow” has many other translations, and is used by local residents for any reason.
Entertainment, excursions and attractions of Venezuela
The colorful city of Merida - one of the most popular tourist centers in Venezuela, where many trails and routes for hiking, trekking and other outdoor activities begin. Around Angel there are four picturesque waterfalls - Salto Acha, Salto Ucaima, Salto Galondrina and Salto Guadima, plus the picturesque Laguna de Canaima with small sandy beaches.
The Roraima Plateau is considered by the Indians to be the “center of the Earth” and got its name from the highest mountain of the massif - Roraima (2772 m). However, there are also plenty of other famous mountains in the vicinity: Cerro Autana, Cerro Pintado or “Painted Mountain” (several dozen petroglyphs, many of which have no analogues on the continent), Serra de La Neblina or “Mountain of Mists”, Cerro Sarizarinama with huge canyons.
Venezuela is a Latin American country inhabited by descendants of Indians and Spanish conquistadors. It is rich in natural resources, wonderful nature and the genuine hospitality of the local people. Tourism is not very developed here, but some are considering Venezuela as an immigration destination. For tourists and potential migrants, we offer a selection of interesting facts about Venezuela.
- Venezuela got its name when the pioneer navigator Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian by birth, first arrived in these parts and saw Indian huts built on stilts, connected by bridges. They reminded him of Venice, and he decided to call this region Venice. In Italian, "Venice" is "Venezuela".
- The most popular sport in Venezuela is baseball.
- Venezuelan women have won more than any other world beauty pageant.
- The country's capital, Caracas, is officially recognized as one of the most dangerous cities in the world.
- Often found in villages and small towns big houses, in which two or three generations live at once. Family ties are very strong here.
- While Mexicans add hot peppers to many drinks, Venezuelans add sugar. They love sweets here.
- Venezuela ranks fourth in the world in oil production. Gasoline in the country is one of the cheapest in the world.
- Venezuela is home to the world's tallest waterfall, Angel Falls. Its waters fall from a height of 979 meters.
- English is not held in high esteem here. It's worth brushing up on your Spanish, even if you're only planning a tourist trip.
- There is usually a lot of garbage lying on the streets of Venezuelan cities, but it is not customary to pay attention to it here.
- Venezuelans of both sexes take great care of their appearance. Services plastic surgeons are very popular and in demand here.
- Oddly enough, almost everywhere they accept payment bank cards. At least in cities.
- Although it is possible to sell US dollars in the country unofficially, it is almost impossible to buy them. Officially, the dollar is banned in the country. The only national currency in use is the bolivar.
- You can often see a queue - at an ATM or in a store, for example.
- Venezuelans use SMS messages much more often than calls. There are even special mobile tariffs.
- Everyone always carries some form of identification document with them.
- The Internet in the country is very poorly developed.
- Most Venezuelan shops are closed at night.
- Every city in Venezuela has Bolivar Square, much like every Russian city has Lenin Street.
- Due to widespread energy supply problems, gasoline generators are very popular.
- Real estate in Venezuela is very cheap; an apartment in Caracas, for example, can be bought for thirty dollars.
- The windows of poor houses often lack glass.
- In addition to ice cream, you can often see chopped ice covered in syrup sold from stalls here.
- In cities, it is sometimes difficult to find a wall that is not covered with graffiti.
- Basic construction material- concrete, houses, fences and, in general, almost everything that is possible are built from it.
- Venezuela is one of the first Latin American countries to embrace democracy.
Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela) is a country in northern South America. According to the most common version, in 1499 a Spanish expedition led by Alonso de Ojeda visited the Venezuelan coast, where they discovered an Indian village located on stilts. The Indian huts on stilts reminded the homeland of the Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci, who was from Venice, so he named the bay “Veneziola” (“Little Venice”). In 1830 the name "Venezuela" was adopted independent republic, separated from Gran Colombia.
Washed by the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean in the north, bordered by Guyana in the east, Brazil in the south and Colombia in the west.
Territory - 916,445 km² (32nd place in the world).
Population – 30 million 761 thousand people (44th place in the world).
Language – Spanish.
The capital is Caracas.
Large cities - Maracaibo, Maracay, Valencia, Puerto Ayacucho, San Fernando de Apure, Ciudad Bolivar, Coro, Barquisimeto, Los Teques, San Cristobal.
The monetary unit is the sovereign bolivar (VES, code 928).
The flag of Venezuela is a rectangular panel divided by three equal colored stripes (yellow, blue and red) with 8 stars in the center. The creation of the flag and the meaning of all its elements are closely related to the national liberation movement of the people of Venezuela from Spanish rule.
The coat of arms of Venezuela was first approved by Congress on April 18, 1836. According to the Law on national flag, coat of arms and anthem, the shield of the coat of arms is divided into fields colored in the colors of the national flag. A sheaf of rye located in a scarlet field symbolizes Agriculture country, the fertility of its soil, the wealth of the people and the national unity of Venezuela, and its 20 ears of corn correspond to the number of its constituent states. The yellow field contains weapons (sword, saber and three spears) and two national flags connected by a laurel branch, reminiscent of the glorious victories in the liberation struggle and the achievement of independence. At the base, in a dark blue field, a white horse galloping across endless expanses (according to one version, it is a wild horse, according to another, Simon Bolivar’s personal horse), personifies freedom.
Sights of Venezuela:
- Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the world, 978 meters high.
- Miraflores Palace is the residence of the President of Venezuela; in 2013, part of the palace was transferred to the museum.
- The Orinoco Delta is a diverse animal and vegetable world, including freshwater dolphins, red-listed crocodiles.
- Cable car in Merida - a two-hour journey from Merida to the top of Espeggio.
- The General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge is more than 8.5 km long.
- Canaima National Park - the main wealth is the flat-topped tepui mountains.
- Medanos National Park - the entire territory is occupied by sand dunes.
- Mochima National Park attracts divers with its many coral reefs, shipwrecks and caves.
- Lake Maracaibo - about 20% of the Venezuelan population lives on its shores, contains oil deposits, and is surrounded by cocoa plantations.
- Roraima is a flat mountain constantly shrouded in white clouds.
Venezuela - Interesting Facts:
- The full name of the country is the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Literally, Venezuela is translated from Spanish and Italian as Little Venice. Travelers from Europe under the leadership of Amerigo Vespucci, seeing Indian houses standing on stilts right on the Macaraibo lagoon lake, immediately remembered Venice and decided to name the new country in its honor.
- Initially, the territory of present-day Venezuela was inhabited by Indian tribes - the Caribbean and the Arawak.
- Venezuela gained independence from Spain in 1811.
- Slavery was abolished in Venezuela in 1854.
- The capital of Venezuela, Caracas, is considered the most crime-prone city in South America.
- Venezuela has been crowned Miss Universe 6 times and Miss World 5 times to date. This is more than any other country in the world.
- The national dish of Venezuela is considered to be “pabellin crioglio”, which is an assortment of beef, rice, black beans, cheese and fried plantains.
- Venezuelans love sweet drinks. Sugar is added to almost all drinks, including juices.
- One of the favorite drinks of Venezuelans is beer. It is usually sold in 0.22 liter bottles so that the drink does not have time to warm up before it is drunk.
- Venezuelans are emotional, they speak loudly and gesticulate a lot.
- Venezuela has the longest and highest cable car in the world, 1639.5 meters above sea level.
- Venezuela is home to the world's highest waterfall, Angel Falls (979 meters). Water falls down from the top of Auyantepui, whose name translates as “devil’s mountain.” By the way, Angel is translated as “angel”.
- The grassy plains of Venezuela are home to the world's largest rodent, the capybara.
- In Venezuela, where the Catatumbo River flows into Lake Maracaibo, cascades of lightning can be observed almost continuously at night. The phenomenon occurs 140-160 times a year, each “session” lasts up to 10 hours with a frequency of up to 280 lightning strikes per hour and is not accompanied by any sounds. The phenomenon is explained by winds coming from the Andes, which cause thunderstorms, as well as swampy soils, from which methane gas is released, fueling lightning discharges.