Afro-Venezuelan musicians

Global Exchange is offering a three day tour to Venezuela to visit the Afro-Venezuelan Cultural Festival, to take place from June 20, 2009 – June 30, 2009.

From their website:

“Despite their overwhelming contribution to the everyday life and culture of Venezuela, coastal Afro-Venezuelan communities continue to face racial and economic divisions that prevail from the days of colonization… Travel to Venezuela with Global Exchange during the San Juan Festival — 3 days that celebrate San Juan, the patron saint of the descendents of freed slaves, and a time the African heritage of all Venezuelans is celebrated — and learn about the realities of Afro-Venezuelan communities on a delegation to Venezuela that is a blend of culture and politics, introducing you to a side of Venezuela rarely heard about in the United States.”

Whether or not you agree with Global Exchange’s politics, it sounds like an interesting opportunity. The cost is $1550 not including airfare, and includes accomodations, meals and travel to activities within Venezuela.