Calypso de El Callao

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Calypso de El Callao is a yearly festival in Bolívar state, Venezuela, held during carnival. It mixes Calypso music from Trinidad and Tobago with Caribbean traditions and Venezuelan folklore. In the 19th century, Trinidadians and other Caribbean workers came to El Callao to work in the gold mines and brought Calypso with them, helping it become popular there. The music blends Venezuelan and Caribbean styles and is sung in Spanish and/or Caribbean English. Calypso is closely tied to the Carnival, a West Indian tradition. In February and March, Calypso events include competitions, and the winners are crowned Calypso King and Calypso Queen. Locals often call it "Calipso." Common instruments are drums, cuatro, maracas, guitar, bandolín, violin and steel drums.