Veronica Salazar

My name is Verónica Salazar.  My father's ascendants are from a small town named San Juan Bautista in Margarita island, Venezuela, and I spent much of my childhood there with them.  I was a little girl when I learned from my grandmother how to knit the "cogollo" fibers, which are the threads that come from the date palm trees.  She taught me about love and respect for nature, and especially for the date palm trees, which are typical from San Juan.  From their fibers, many crafts are made, and so I love to call those trees "the date palm treasure" (tesoro del datilero).  Later, my neighbor (who is a craft person) taught me to make the ring with the cogollo fibers.

I love my culture and the people from San Juan.  Margarita is a beautiful place, with warm beaches, delicious food, a peaceful culture, and kind people.  I hope one day you will come visit!