Martín Marciales Moncada

Three of Martín Marciales Moncada's grandchildren (Mario Alfredo, Mauricio, and Marcos Marciales Contreras) are national bass fishing champions. All three have represented Venezuela internationally in the National Sports Fishing Team and became the World Bass Fishing Champions, winning the World Championships in 2012.

Martín Marciales Moncada used raffle proceeds to help rebuild the Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation, Táriba. He contributed to the raffle by donating two houses, three cars, and ninety sewing machines, which were used as raffle prizes. All proceeds went directly to the Basilica. He was awarded the Order of St. Sylvester for his generosity by Pope Paulo VI on January 11, 1967.

In 1951, Martín Marciales Moncada imported the first fire truck to San Cristóbal and founded the local fire department. Many local people reported occasions in which he personally saved their lives as a volunteer firefighter.

On April 7, 1945, Martín Marciales Moncada married Marina González Romero. The couple had four children: Marcial, Mariana, Mariela, and Mario. Marina still resides in San Cristóbal and is a renowned philanthropist and artist.

Martín Marciales Moncada, known as Martín Marciales, hijo (January 18, 1912 – March 6, 2001) was a Venezuelan visionary, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He critically contributed to the development of the city of San Cristóbal during the 20th century. Martín Marciales Moncada was one of the few financially successful Venezuelan entrepreneurs who was never involved in politics. President Velásquez referred to him as a “rarely seen prophet in his own land.” Historian Luis Hernández Contreras researched Martín Marciales Moncada's personal and public life and published his biography in a three-volume tome entitled Martín Marciales, hijo, which includes a prologue written by former Venezuelan President Ramón J. Velásquez. Martín Marciales Moncada was one of very few recipients of the Order Francisco de Miranda, Knight Grand Cross (1st Class), the highest rank of the order. It was the only time President Velasquez traveled outside of the capital city to grant the National Order to a citizen.