Case example 2: Venezuela

“Corn liquor is consumed by an indigenous tribe in Venezuela. Several times each year, especially during the corn harvest season, the trunk of a large tree would be hollowed out and filled with corn mash by an individual specially chosen by the community. The corn mash would be allowed to ferment to create an alcoholic beverage with a high enough alcohol content to cause intoxication after consumption of only two glasses or gourdfuls. When the corn liquor is ready, a village festival would be held in which all adults would drink to the point of falling down. Men would typically bring their bows and arrows and fight to settle grudges. Festivals would end after two or three days, when the corn liquor ran out. There were rarely individuals who consumed alcoholic beverages at times other than festival celebrations.

Source: Seale et al. (2002)”

Source & © WHO  Global Status Report on Alcohol 2004, p.19