Today I want to share with you some photos that capture the essence of a particular element of daily life in Venezuela: bodegas, small grocery stores that supply the population with basic necessities.

These stores are the main point of purchase for most Venezuelans, as they offer more affordable prices than large supermarket chains.

Their origin dates back to the Venezuelan economic crisis of 2014-2016, when the scarcity of basic products worsened. The city's proximity to Colombia (only 40 minutes away) led many people to buy products there to resell them here, making this the city the first in Venezuela to "overcome" the food shortage.

Although the importation was "illegal" in the eyes of the government, it was a common practice that involved paying "bribes" along the route between Colombia and Venezuela. Today, a large part of the products found in these bodegas are still Colombian.

Another alternative born out of the crisis are the fruit and vegetable markets. These spaces offer a wide variety of fresh products at very affordable prices, as vendors buy directly from local producers. When the vegetables are about to go rotten, they are offered at almost giveaway prices.

Of course, there are also mixed stores that sell both vegetables and groceries for the home, but these are usually a bit more expensive since these businesses are more established and have to pay suppliers, rent, taxes, etc.

A small bakery in the middle of a neighborhood in Venezuela:

In my street photography, I don't look for the "perfect image" because I like to portray reality as it is.

I hope this photographic journey has allowed you to learn a little more about Venezuela today.