I visited the Bicentennial Plaza [ESP/ENG]

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to walk through the historic center of the city where I have lived for over thirty years: Valencia, in the state of Carabobo, Venezuela. There is a relatively new plaza there that I hadn’t yet had the pleasure of visiting due to a lack of time. I like it because it is a wholesome space dedicated to art, healthy leisure, and recreation. It is located just behind the *Casa de la Estrella*—a building that once served as the seat of government during the era of the First Republic and as a hospital during colonial times. Further back, there is an imposing equestrian statue of the great national hero, General Francisco de Miranda, a precursor to our country’s freedom and independence. I also appreciate the trees that have been planted there, which provide a very welcome shade. But perhaps one of the best features of this plaza is its stage—complete with tiered seating—where people can enjoy musical and cultural activities, typically on weekends, all of which are entirely free of charge.

Ayer tuve la oportunidad de andar por el casco historico de la ciudad en la que he vivido por más de treinta años, la ciudad de Valencia, estado Carabobo en Venezuela. Allí hay una plaza relativamente nueva a la que yo no había tenido el placer de visitar por falta de tiempo, me gusta porque es un espacio sano dedicado al arte, al esparcimiento sano y a la recreación, está justo detrás de la Casa de la Estrella (que alguna vez funcionó como casa de Gobierno en los tiempos de la primera república y como hospital en ls tiempos coloniales) Allá al fondo tiene una estatua ecuestre (muy imponente) del gran procer General Francisco de Miranda, precursor de la libertad y la independencia en nuestro país. También me gusta porque sembraron algunos árboles cuya sombra es muy gratificante, pero una de las mejores cosas que tiene esta plaza es un escenario con tdo y gradas en el cuál las personas puedes disfrutar de actividades musicales y culturales, por lo general los fines de semana y totalmente gratuitas.

Another lovely feature of this place is the interactive statue shown in the photos I’ve included below this paragraph. It is considered "interactive" because visitors can take photos with it—there is another similar statue, depicting Dr. José Gregorio Hernández, located in front of the San Francisco de Asís church, facing Plaza Sucre, also within the historic district. The man represented by this statue is a highly significant figure for this illustrious city: the writer and poet José Rafael Pocaterra. Incidentally, right behind the statue (though not visible in the photos) lies the house where this distinguished man was born—a property that has been recently restored so that intellectuals and those who cherish culture, history, and poetry can visit it.

The square itself is so beautiful that it is considered a historic monument of great value to the city. Surrounded by museums—such as the "Museo Casa de la Estrella" and the birthplace of the writer and poet José Rafael Pocaterra—as well as the century-old "Colegio Don Bosco", it serves as the perfect central spot for passersby and visitors to rest. Nearby, one can also find Plaza Sucre and Valencia’s Plaza Bolívar, with its imposing cathedral.

It was a pleasure for me to share with you a glimpse of my city and a part of its history. For now, I’ll take my leave, but I hope we’ll see each other again—God willing.