La Paradura del Nino

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Carnival & ParadeMerida
DatesDates TBA · Usually JanuaryCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forMasks, paradesLa Paradura del Nino is distinguished by its
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: VES
CategoryCarnival & ParadeFestival type
The story

La Paradura del Nino in Merida

La Paradura del Nino is an Andean Venezuelan Catholic tradition, most prominent in Merida state and the town of Tovar, celebrated from January 1 through February 2, in which a figure of the infant Jesus is ceremonially stood up for the first time within family or community gatherings, accompanied by a rosary and traditional songs.

Across Venezuela's Andean region, from Merida state through the highland paramo villages and into parts of Tachira, Trujillo and Barinas states, families and communities mark the close of the Christmas season with La Paradura del Nino, a tradition centered on the moment a figure of the infant Jesus is lifted from its manger and ceremonially made to stand for the first time.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

La Paradura del Nino is distinguished by its precise ritual logic: the celebration centers on the moment a household or community figure of the infant Jesus is lifted from the nativity manger and made to stand for the first time, a gesture that gives the tradition its name

02

The mystery stays covered

In some Andean towns the custom takes a theatrical variant known as robo y busqueda del nino, the theft and search for the child, in which the figure is deliberately taken so a search and eventual paradura can be staged

03

The city starts moving

The most traditional versions, paraduras cantadas, extend the ceremony with songs performed by musical groups who accompany a small procession of the Child, closing with shared bizcochuelo cake and wine

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

A Catholic Andean custom marking the ceremonial standing of a household infant Jesus figure between January 1 and February 2

Water and renewal

Living ritual

traditionally closing the Christmas season in the home where it is performed

The sacred route

Living ritual

with the sung paradura cantada variant and the robo y busqueda del nino theft-and-search variant both practiced in different Andean villages

The local code

Living ritual

closing with shared bizcochuelo cake and wine

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually January

Getting around

Expect street closures, dense pedestrian flow, and slow exits. Comfortable shoes are essential.

What to wear

Warm layered clothing appropriate to Merida's cool Andean climate, especially for evening gatherings in January, with modest dress suited to a family religious ceremony held in homes.

Safety

For La Paradura del Nino, keep the basics simple: small bag, charged phone, meeting point and respect for crowd controls.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Merida you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Many carnival moments are public, but confirm paid areas or stands before travel.

Language/currency

VES

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map8.58 N, 71.17 WOpen in Google Maps

Merida, Merida, Venezuela

Nearest airportMRD — Alberto Carnevalli
TransportExpect street closures, dense pedestrian flow, and slow exits. Comfortable shoes are essential.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Merida you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

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 Merida via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Merida, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for January.Compare faresFestival gearWarm layered clothing appropriate to Merida's cool Andean climate, especially for evening gatherings in January, with modest dress suited to a family religious ceremony held in homes.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 La Paradura del Nino?

La Paradura del Nino is listed for Past edition: 2 January 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does La Paradura del Nino take place?

The festival is listed in Merida, 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?

Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Merida, Merida, 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 URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually January
Source statusNeeds editorial review
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