Venezuela recognizes fiery ritual honoring goddess as cultural heritage

Followers of the goddess Maria Lionza run through burning embers during a spiritual ritual that combines Indigenous, Catholic and African beliefs, in Quibayo, Venezuela October 12, 2024. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Hernandez

QUIBAYO, Venezuela (Reuters) - Hundreds of bare-chested men circle flames on a dark night to the beat of drums in central Venezuela's mountains. They dash across the blaze with bare feet over hot coals.

Even more daring souls beat themselves with the burning wood, while others pour alcohol over their backs.