**City of Bolívar**
**State:** Bolívar
**Location:** Southeastern Venezuela
**Population:** Approximately 1 million (2022 estimate)
**Culture:**
* Bolívar is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich cultural heritage.
* The city is known for its traditional music, including joropo and salsa.
* It is also home to several museums and art galleries, including the Museo de Arte Moderno Jesús Soto.
**Special Events:**
* **Carnaval:** A lively festival held in February or March, featuring parades, music, and dancing.
* **Semana Santa:** Holy Week, a religious festival with processions and other events.
* **Feria del Orinoco:** A trade fair held in August, showcasing local products and culture.
**Local Attractions:**
* **Angostura Fortress:** A historic fortress built in the 18th century, now a museum.
* **Plaza Bolívar:** The central square of the city, surrounded by historic buildings.
* **Museo de los Niños:** A children's museum with interactive exhibits.
* **Paseo Orinoco:** A riverside promenade with panoramic views of the Orinoco River.
**Food:**
* Bolívar is renowned for its local cuisine, which includes dishes such as:
* Sancocho: A hearty soup made with meat, vegetables, and plantains.
* Empanadas: Fried pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
* Arepas: Cornmeal patties that can be filled with various ingredients.
**People:**
* The people of Bolívar are known for their warmth, hospitality, and love of music.
* The city is home to a diverse population, including indigenous communities and immigrants from other parts of Venezuela and the world.
**History:**
* Bolívar was founded in 1764 as Angostura.
* It played a significant role in the Venezuelan War of Independence, serving as the capital of the Republic of Gran Colombia from 1819 to 1821.
* The city was renamed Bolívar in 1846 in honor of the Venezuelan independence leader Simón Bolívar.