Don Apolinar Campos

The song "Don Apolinar Campos" by Sergio Umbria is a tribute to a revered figure in Venezuelan folklore, particularly within the spiritual practice known as 'Espiritismo Marialioncero'. The lyrics provide a biographical sketch of Don Apolinar Campos, detailing his birthplace in Nirgua, Yaracuy State, and the date of his death, March 23, 1963. The song emphasizes his role as a spiritual brother with a protective nature, wisdom, and knowledge of many spiritual secrets.

The narrative of the song also connects Don Apolinar with another well-known spiritual figure, Don Nicanor Ochoa, highlighting their relationship as compadres (godfathers) and friends. Both are described as brujos (sorcerers) and chamarreros, a term that refers to practitioners of a specific branch of Venezuelan Espiritismo. The lyrics paint a picture of Don Apolinar as a serious man who occasionally wore a dark gray hat, drank aguardiente (a strong alcoholic beverage) not for intoxication but as part of his practice, and consumed chimo (a traditional tobacco paste).

The song concludes by mentioning the resting place of Don Apolinar's remains in the cemetery of Nirgua, alongside other spiritual siblings. His festivity is celebrated on March 23, and the song lists offerings associated with him, which include candles, fruits, aguardiente, flowers, coffee, and other items related to the Corte Chamarrera, a group of spirits in the Marialioncero tradition. The song serves as a cultural document, preserving the memory and practices associated with Don Apolinar Campos and the spiritual heritage of the region.