Quema de Judas

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Religious & SpiritualCaracas/nationwide
DatesDates TBA · Usually AprilCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCeremony, pilgrimageThe custom's satirical edge sets it apart
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: VES
CategoryReligious & SpiritualFestival type
The story

Quema de Judas in Caracas/nationwide

Quema de Judas is a nationwide Holy Saturday or Easter Sunday tradition in Venezuela in which communities build a straw-stuffed effigy, often dressed to satirize a disliked public figure, and read aloud a mock last will and testament before burning or symbolically executing the figure in the street.

Across Venezuela, communities mark the close of Holy Week with the Quema de Judas, a tradition in which neighbors build a straw effigy representing the biblical figure of Judas and burn it, typically on Holy Saturday or Easter Sunday.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The custom's satirical edge sets it apart from most Holy Week observances: rather than being a purely religious act, the burning of Judas doubles as a form of community social commentary, with the effigy frequently modeled on a contemporary politician or unpopular public figure and the accompanying mock will written as a comic, pointed critique read aloud before the burning

02

The mystery stays covered

Because the tradition is organized locally rather than nationally, the specific target chosen for Judas varies by neighborhood and by year, giving each community's version its own topical character

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The Quema de Judas draws on a broader Iberian and Latin American Holy Week custom of burning an effigy representing the apostle who betrayed Jesus

Water and renewal

Living ritual

adapted in Venezuela into a distinctly satirical

The sacred route

Living ritual

community-organized form where the effigy's identity and the mock will's content shift year to year to comment on current public figures

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually April

Getting around

Move patiently around ceremony routes and leave space for worshippers and participants.

What to wear

Casual, comfortable outdoor clothing suited to warm Venezuelan weather, since the event takes place in open streets and involves standing crowds; closed shoes are practical for an informal...

Safety

Watch local behavior before photographing, filming, or entering sacred spaces.

Where to stay

Stay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Tickets/cost

Public ritual moments are often free, but donations, transport, or temple access may vary.

Language/currency

VES

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map10.49 N, 66.88 WOpen in Google Maps

Caracas/nationwide, Nationwide, Venezuela

Nearest airportCCS — Maiquetía Simón Bolívar
TransportMove patiently around ceremony routes and leave space for worshippers and participants.
Stay areaStay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Caracas/nationwide via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Caracas/nationwide, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for April.Compare faresFestival gearCasual, comfortable outdoor clothing suited to warm Venezuelan weather, since the event takes place in open streets and involves standing crowds; closed shoes are practical for an informal street gathering.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Venezuela and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Quema de Judas?

Quema de Judas is listed for Past edition: 5 April 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Quema de Judas take place?

The festival is listed in Caracas/nationwide, Venezuela. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Caracas/nationwide, Nationwide, Venezuela

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLvtv.com.ve
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually April
Source statusOfficial source linked
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