On the morning of June 25, Milan woke up to news broadcasts reporting dramatic developments from Venezuela. A 7. 2-magnitude earthquake , followed by a second, even more violent 7.5-magnitude tremor, brought several cities along the Caribbean Sea to their knees, including La Guaira, which was undoubtedly among the hardest hit. The images that emerged in the days that followed were devastating: entire buildings had collapsed, thousands of people were trapped under the rubble, and just as many were digging through the debris with their bare hands, searching for their loved ones.
In situations like these, it’s natural to feel helpless. We’d like to leave right away to help, but costs, distance, and restrictions make such a trip nearly impossible—and without experience, our contribution wouldn’t compare to that of specialized rescue teams. From Milan, however, we can do something concrete. Behind the videos of the disaster circulating on social media are people who lost everything in a matter of seconds and who now need support. This Sunday, you, too, can do your part with a simple gesture: eat a Venezuelan arepa.
Solidarity Aperitif: Every Arepa Helps
On Sunday, July 12, 2026, +58 Bar in Milan, in collaboration with the association Insieme per il Venezuela, is organizing a charity cocktail party with the goal of raising funds to support those affected by the earthquake. The event offers an authentic immersion in Venezuelan culinary culture, starting with one of its most beloved symbols: arepas.
From 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p. m., you can enjoy them in three varieties: “Queso Amarillo,” the classic version with stringy cheese; “La Peluda,” with shredded beef and cheese; and the “Reina Pepiada,” stuffed with shredded chicken, avocado, mayonnaise, onion, cilantro, and lemon juice. Each arepa costs €15, while the combo with Papelón, a Venezuelan summer drink, is available for €17. During the event, you’ll also be able to try other Venezuelan dishes.
Where: +58 Bar – Via Giulio e Corrado Venini, 53, 20127 Milan
When: this Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Nearest metro stop: Pasteur – M1 (Red Line)
Proceeds and Donations
All proceeds will go toward covering the shipping costs of 20 pallets of humanitarian aid bound for Venezuela, specifically to the San Miguel Arcángel del Cementerio Parish in Caracas. In addition to purchasing arepas, those wishing to contribute a larger amount may make additional donations. All donations can be made exclusively via QR code, which will allow funds to be transferred directly to the organizing association. In-kind donations ( such as clothing or canned food) will not be accepted .
