On Friday, Cuban singer-songwriter Pavel Urkiza turned to music to show his solidarity with Venezuela. He shared a touching video tribute on Facebook, performing "La vaca mariposa" ("El Becerrito"), a beloved song by renowned Venezuelan composer Simón Díaz.
Filmed in Miami, Urkiza addresses his Venezuelan music colleagues directly: "In these challenging times, I offer my full support and this small, humble homage to one of the greats of Ibero-American music, Simón Díaz."
The accompanying text on his post further emphasized a sense of unity: "To my dear friends in Venezuela, to my fellow musicians with whom I have shared the wisdom of one of the richest and most important musical traditions in our Americas, this small tribute to one of Ibero-America's greatest composers, Simón Díaz. Rise up, Venezuela! With your beautiful people from afar!"
Significance and Symbolism of "La vaca mariposa"
The choice of "La vaca mariposa" was deliberate. Simón Díaz, affectionately known as "Tío Simón," was the leading figure of Venezuelan llanera music, and his iconic songs like "Caballo viejo" have been translated into 12 languages with over 300 versions. The song chosen by Urkiza carries rich symbolism; interpretations suggest that the cow, Mariposa, represents the Virgin Mary, the calf symbolizes Jesus, and the children asking "dámelo papaíto" evoke the shepherds at the Nativity scene.
A Gesture in Tragic Times
Urkiza’s gesture comes at a particularly tragic moment for Venezuela. The double earthquake on June 24, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 centered in Yaracuy state, marked the most significant seismic event recorded there in the 21st century and the strongest in 126 years, according to the University of the Andes. Official reports on Saturday listed 920 deaths, over 3,360 injuries, and at least 157 missing persons.
The tragedy also affected the Cuban community residing in Venezuela, with at least 29 Cubans reported missing, mainly in Caraballeda, Catia La Mar, and Los Corales in La Guaira state, declared a disaster zone. Search efforts continued through Saturday amid the rubble.
Cultural Bridges and Solidarity
Urkiza, a composer, guitarist, and music producer trained at Havana's Conservatory Amadeo Roldán, has spent decades building cultural bridges between Cuba and other Latin American countries. In 1990, he founded the duo Gema y Pavel with singer Gema Corredera and has collaborated with artists such as Ana Torroja, Miguel Bosé, and Omara Portuondo. In 2023, he worked with Haydée Milanés on "Virgen Mambisa (Exiliada)," premiered at Miami's Ermita de la Caridad.
The ties between Cubans and Venezuelans extend beyond music. Thousands of Cubans live in Venezuela, many part of medical missions or workers who emigrated due to Cuba's economic collapse. The Cuban Ministry of Public Health confirmed that all members of the Cuban medical mission in Venezuela were safe and assisting in rescue operations.
The video, tagged with #sosvenezuela, #ayudavenezuela, and #terremoto, highlights the solidarity between two nations united by a rich musical heritage and shared histories of authoritarianism and exile. Simón Díaz’s llanera tune, played by a Cuban in exile, became a sonic embrace for those who have lost everything.
"With your beautiful people from afar!" Urkiza concluded his message, a line many interpreted as a nod to the Venezuelan diaspora, as widespread and numerous as the Cuban one.
Understanding the Impact of the Venezuelan Earthquake
What was the magnitude of the Venezuelan earthquake?
The earthquake had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, making it the strongest seismic event in Venezuela in 126 years.
How did the earthquake affect the Cuban community in Venezuela?
At least 29 Cubans were reported missing, mostly concentrated in areas like Caraballeda, Catia La Mar, and Los Corales.