La Victoria is a town in the Aragua state. It is famous for the independence battle of the 12th February 1814, where José Félix Ribas led a young and inexperienced army that succeeded in halting the royalist troops of Boves. Venezuela celebrates "Youth Day" every year on the 12th February in La Victoria, with a ceremony usually presided over by the President of the Republic. On approach the town may seem hectic and industrialised, being surrounded by factories, but as you get closer to the centre you'll see that it still has some of its original charm.

Sightseeing
The area between Plaza Bolívar and Plaza Ribas has some lovely old buildings,including the neoclassic Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Victoria from the 18th century and the smaller Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria.

Getting there
There are regular buses from Caracas and Maracay.