If there’s one thing 2026 has reminded me of, it’s how proud I am to be Venezuelan.
Lately, it feels like everywhere I look, there’s another Venezuelan accomplishing something incredible. Whether it’s in music, entertainment, or sports, seeing so many Venezuelans being recognized around the world makes me so happy. And honestly, I think it’s about time the world sees just how much talent comes from our country.
One of the biggest examples is this year’s Latin Grammy nominations. More than 20 Venezuelan artists, musicians, composers, and producers are among the nominees, and I think that’s incredible. From Rawayana, Elena Rose and Danny Ocean to Akapellah, Joaquina, Gonzalo Grau and Gustavo Dudamel, Venezuelans are receiving recognition across so many different genres.
Rawayana earned an Album of the Year nomination for ÂżDĂłnde Es El After?, while Elena Rose received a Record of the Year nomination for “Alma.” And it’s not only the singers we’re seeing onstage. It’s also the songwriters, producers, and musicians behind the music who are getting the recognition they deserve.
Seeing all of this makes me especially proud because it reminds me of my grandfather. When I was little, he used to teach me how to play the cuatro, a traditional Venezuelan instrument, and tell me stories about our country’s music, history, and art. I remember him telling me how talented Venezuelans were and how he believed that one day the world would recognize everything our country had to offer.
He always made me understand that music, art, and history were so much more than entertainment. They were part of our identity, our traditions, and the stories we share with the world.
Now, seeing Venezuelan musicians receiving recognition on such a big stage reminds me of those conversations. It’s beautiful to see something he believed in so much becoming a reality. And what makes it even more special is seeing artists like Gonzalo Grau being recognized for work involving the Venezuelan cuatro, the same instrument my grandfather introduced me to.
But Venezuelans aren’t just making headlines at the Latin Grammys. Daniela Avanzini from KATSEYE, who has Venezuelan roots, is also representing part of our culture in the global pop industry. I love seeing how Venezuelan talent and heritage continue reaching new audiences through different forms of entertainment.
And of course, how could we forget Venezuela winning its first World Baseball Classic championship this March? Seeing Venezuelans celebrating such a historic victory was unforgettable. Moments like that remind me how much love and pride we have for our country and how something as simple as a baseball game can bring so many people together.
I think what makes all these accomplishments even more meaningful is knowing everything Venezuela has gone through. For years, our country has faced political and economic struggles, and millions of Venezuelans have had to leave their homes and families behind.
Those stories are important, but sometimes I wish more people could see the other side of Venezuela too.
Venezuela is so much more than what we see in the news. It’s our music, our traditions, our history, our creativity, and the people who continue working hard to accomplish their dreams.
Every time I see another Venezuelan achieving something amazing, I think about the stories my grandfather used to tell me and how proud he was of our culture. It makes me happy knowing that more people around the world are getting to experience a little piece of what makes Venezuela so special.
I hope 2026 is only the beginning of even more recognition for Venezuelan artists, athletes, and creators. We have so much to offer, so many stories to tell, and so much talent that deserves to be celebrated.
Qué orgullo ser venezolana.