The Vice President of the Canary Islands Government, Manuel Domínguez, has shared details about his close connection to Venezuela, his native country. "The only dish I know how to cook is the arepa," he stated, highlighting the mark the South American nation has left on his identity and family history.
Born in Caracas, Domínguez lived in Venezuela until he was seven years old. His clearest memories from that time focus on Maracaibo, the area where he lived and, particularly, the neighborhood where his father ran a fish shop. His parents, originally from La Orotava, emigrated to Venezuela in the 1960s in search of better opportunities.
“"The country calls you, it's the country that saw you born, and therefore, when you see images like those on the news, your heart truly sinks."
Despite not having returned since 2007, after experiencing issues at the airport with his Spanish passport, Domínguez maintains contact with his family in Venezuela. He expressed concern for the country's situation, especially following the recent earthquakes, and recounted how his relatives described the impact of the tremors from their location.
Venezuelan customs, particularly culinary ones, remain very present in his home. Besides arepas, his family table also features dishes like pabellón criollo, hallacas in December, or tequeños. Even his mother retains typical expressions, such as the greeting "¿Aló?", keeping alive a bond that endures despite time and distance.
