Festival of San Antonio
and the La Batalla "dance"

Venezuela was part of the Spanish Colonies for 300 years. During this time, it is believed, Garrote was created. Due largely to Spanish sword fighting and possibly influenced by the Kali of the Phillipines during the Spanish occupation of the Phillipines from 1521-1898. After all, the Spanish were seafaring and travelled extensively from colony to colony exporting the native goods of each.

It is still very easy to see the Sword duelers influence in Garrote.

It is also debated by many
in the Garrote circles as to
the possiblity that Africans
may also have contributing substantially to the
development of Garrote.

Research is still on-going.

Although Garrote is not well known around the world, it is unlikely that this art will die out totally. Largely due to its inclusion in the Christian festival known as La Batalla, which is a festival that is honors San Antonio and combines elements of Garrote into a pre-arranged pattern of dance.