Venezuela’s pre-game ritual at the World Baseball Classic is a vibrant celebration of its Afro-Venezuelan heritage, blending music, dance, and cultural pride. Before each match, Team Venezuela gathers in a circle in its dugout, where pitcher Eduard Bazardo drums on a traditional instrument called el tambor. The players then take turns jumping in and out of the circle, showcasing their rhythmic moves as part of the tambores tradition. This practice, rooted in Venezuela’s cultural identity, has become a defining feature of the team’s pre-game preparation. Tambores, a form of music and dance, is central to the ritual. The drum serves as the heartbeat of the performance, often accompanied by a single drummer or an entire ensemble. Alvarez, a writer and co-founder of El Extrabase, describes tambores as deeply Caribbean, with variations in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. However, he emphasizes its traditional roots in Venezuela, where it is a symbol of national pride. “That’s our country,” said Venezuela manager Omar López, who noted that the dance reflects the team’s identity and how Venezuelans enjoy baseball. The tradition extends beyond the baseball field, permeating everyday life in Venezuela. Alvarez explained that tambores is a staple at parties, especially in coastal towns like Ocumare de la Cosa, where pitcher Bazardo grew up, and La Sabana or La Guaira, home to players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Maikel Garcia. At these gatherings, the music transitions from salsa, merengue, and reggaeton to the energetic rhythm of tambores, often reaching its peak during “hora loca,” or “crazy hour,” around midnight.#venezuela #world_baseball_classic #eduard_bazardo #omar_lopez #alvarez
