Venezuelans living in Menorca turned their national dish into a way of helping people back home, with a solidarity party in Maó to raise money for victims of a double earthquake in the north of Venezuela.
How it came about
The event, called “Una arepa per Veneçuela”, was the idea of Estefano Potente, owner of the business Gofreskito, with the support of the Sa Plaça shopping centre in Maó. The plan was simple: sell homemade arepas and drinks, raffle donated products and send everything raised to those in need.
Music and entertainment
Among the performers was Mauricio Fallini, a musician, photographer and filmmaker from Caracas who has lived in Menorca for just over two years and has been using social media to help coordinate aid for his country. He played a mix of his own songs and Venezuelan classics.
He was joined by the Menorcan folk group Es Rebost and the magician Fèlix Magno, creating a festive atmosphere that encouraged people to stay, eat and donate.
Food and a raffle
Volunteers cooked arepas — the corn flatbreads that are a staple of Venezuelan cooking — throughout the day, while a raffle featured products donated by local market stallholders.
Where the money goes
All the proceeds are going to a care centre run by a Venezuelan doctor, which looks after children who lost relatives in the earthquakes, providing shelter, food, medical care and emotional support.
Help that lasts
Fallini said that following the disaster from a distance had left him with a mixture of shock, helplessness and guilt. He stressed that recovery after an earthquake is a long process, and that support needs to continue after the news coverage fades.
Menorca is home to a sizeable Venezuelan community, many of whom arrived in the past decade, and events like this one have become a way for them to stay connected to their country while involving their Menorcan neighbours.
