A colorful tradition returns to San Francisco de Asis
In the heart of Venezuela’s Aragua state, residents gathered outside the San Francisco de Asis church on Friday, October 3, to celebrate the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi. The centerpiece of the day was an unlikely but beloved spectacle: a colorful tortoise race featuring 80 painted and decorated competitors. The event drew families, neighbors, and visitors, marking one of the largest participations in recent years and underscoring how traditional festivities can blend whimsy with community devotion.
The day’s atmosphere and the setup
The scene was lively and family-friendly. Children and adults lined the makeshift lanes laid out near the church grounds, with lettuce serves as the simplest of incentives to coax the slow racers toward the finish line. Manuel Franco, one of the event organizers, described the tortoise race as a beloved tradition carried out with “enthusiasm” by the community. He emphasized that the race is more than a game: it’s a communal pastime that entertains and educates, especially the younger generation, about patience, sport, and local culture.
Meet the competitors and the winner
The participants were a mosaic of colors and personalities, each tortoise sporting a unique, hand-painted shell that reflected the festive mood of the Saint Francis of Assisi celebration. Among the entrants, a 20-year-old tortoise named Roberto emerged as the race’s sensational winner. Owned by Victor Martinez, Roberto captured first place in his debut appearance, a result that delighted onlookers and brought cheers from the crowd. The victory highlighted how even the most modest creatures can deliver memorable moments during Venezuela’s patron saint festivities.
User experiences and community impact
Residents like Claudia Barrios spoke of the tortoise races as a defining feature of the annual festivities, noting that the event has become “one of the most striking and emblematic” elements of the Saint Francis of Assisi celebrations. For many families, the races provide a gentle, inclusive activity that encourages participation across generations. Local vendors also benefit from the day’s foot traffic, selling snacks, crafts, and small souvenirs, all contributing to a larger sense of togetherness and civic pride in San Francisco de Asis.
Tradition, preparation, and meaning
Participants prepare for the race in ways that reflect long-standing customs, from painting shells with bright colors to coordinating the tortoise entrants with careful attention to safety and humane treatment. The event is a reminder that the feast day is about more than religious observance; it is also a celebration of community bonds, local artistry, and the everyday joys that families share. As the sun faded over the churchyard, spectators lingered, swapping stories about past races and approving cloning of the excitement for future editions.
Looking ahead
With October’s Saint Francis of Assisi celebrations continuing in many parts of Venezuela, the painted tortoise race stands out as an emblematic example of how communities braid faith, culture, and playful competition into a single, vibrant tradition. Organizers hope to see even larger participation in coming years, inviting more residents to contribute to the pageant of colors and to keep this charming custom alive for new generations.
