Pa’lante Venezuela: Gaitas, Parranda & Christmas for solidarity

A Venezuelan Christmas celebration raising funds for children affected by the earthquake in Venezuela. Join us on Saturday 21 November at SOAS Student Bar for an afternoon and evening of Venezuelan Christmas traditions, live music, singing, dancing and solidarity. We're bringing the sounds of gaitas, parrandas y aguinaldos to London, with Luzmira Zerpa and the Venezuelan Jam Collective, special guests Imperio Bamba and our DJs. There'll be Venezuelan food, a participatory music workshop and a Christmas raffle, all to help children and teenagers whose lives have been disrupted by the earthquake. ❤️ Why we're coming together Months after the earthquake, many families in Venezuela are still living in temporary shelters. Children have been unable to return to school, parents have lost their livelihoods and communities are facing a long road to recovery. The first weeks of an emergency often bring the most attention. But rebuilding lives takes much longer. We know there are people in need across the world. This Christmas, we're asking you to keep Venezuela in your thoughts too. Profits from the event will support children affected by the earthquake through Chamos.org, a UK-registered charity that has been providing emergency relief and is now working towards longer-term support, including education, play, rehabilitation and nutrition. Around US$750 can cover a child's education for a year. Funds raised will help support children's education, mental health care and access to safe drinking water. 🥁 What's happening? 2–5pm | Venezuelan Christmas Music Workshop Come and experience our Christmas traditions from the inside! Join our musicians for a participatory singing and traditional instruments workshop exploring gaitas, parrandas and villancicos. No musical experience needed, and you don't need to speak Spanish. Children and adults are welcome! From 5pm | Live music and Christmas Parranda Get ready to sing and dance with an incredible line-up: • Luzmira Zerpa – Voice • Ernesto Marichales – Percussion • Pablo Barrios – Keys • Néstor Pedrales – Percussion and vocals • Pao Pestana – Musician and DJ • Imperio Bamba – Making their Pa’lante debut! A high-energy party band blending experimental Latin music with high-octane dance appeal • DJ Romel – Keeping the party going! From traditional Venezuelan Christmas music to contemporary Latin sounds, expect plenty of reasons to get on your feet. 🍽️ Venezuelan food: Enjoy a taste of Venezuela, with food available to purchase during the event. 🎟️ Christmas raffle: A chance to win prizes and raise more funds for Venezuela. 🍻 Drinks: SOAS Student Bar will be open throughout the event, with drinks available to purchase. 🎟️ Tickets Choose how you'd like to join us! Workshop + Parranda: Join us from 2pm for the participatory workshop, followed by live music and dancing from 5pm until late. Evening Parranda: Come from 5pm for live gaitas, parrandas and our full evening celebration. Family Tickets: Special prices for 2 adults and 2 children aged 5–12, with options for the workshop and evening or evening only. Children under 5: Free entry when accompanied by an adult. Supporter Ticket: For those who would like to contribute a little more to helping children affected by the earthquake. Early Bird, Advance and Family tickets are available according to the ticket options and sale dates shown on this page. 🎄 Bring your family, your friends and your Christmas spirit! Whether you grew up celebrating Christmas in Venezuela or have never heard a gaita before, you're welcome. It's an opportunity to share our traditions with the next generation, introduce our music to new friends and bring communities together here in London while supporting children back home. 📍 SOAS Student Bar, London 📅 Saturday 21 November 2026 🕑 Workshop: 2–5pm | Live music: 5pm till late ❤️ Want to be part of Pa’lante? Pa’lante is all about people coming together, and we'd love to have more hands on board! If you have a little time to spare and would like to help us bring this Venezuelan Christmas celebration to life, we'd love to hear from you. No special skills needed, just a willingness to help and be part of something good. Send us a message on Instagram @palante_uk. We'd love to meet you! Can't attend? You can still support the fundraiser by donating here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/gabriela-torres-palante-chamos Follow @palante_uk for updates on the music, raffle and everything we're planning. Let's celebrate Christmas the Venezuelan way, and help children in Venezuela get back to school. 🇻🇪❤️ Tickets will also be available at the door, subject to capacity, on a one-in, one-out basis.