Nicolás Maduro's regime has officially launched the Christmas festivities early in Venezuela, complete with concerts, dazzling lights, and a politically charged message aimed at the United States. This move comes amidst escalating tensions with the administration of President Donald Trump. In a video shared by the Chavista government on its Telegram channel, Maduro declared, “In honor of you, in gratitude to you... Christmas begins! For everyone, Christmas has arrived with peace, happiness, and security!” The video marks the symbolic start of the holiday season from Caracas's Bolívar Square.
Caracas Mayor Carmen Meléndez illuminated the Christmas lights in front of hundreds gathered in the iconic square, many of whom were dressed in costumes and waving sparklers. “Let the cries of joy from all the people of Caracas be heard!” she exclaimed.
Maduro used the celebrations as a platform for a politically loaded message. “No one will take away our peace and tranquility with economic and media warfare, territorial pressures, and schemes imposed by the empire,” he declared, referring to Washington.
On social media, Maduro shared a new episode of the pro-government animated series “Súper Bigote,” further emphasizing his stance against what he describes as “external aggressions” from the U.S. government.
Early Christmas Amidst Military Presence
These early Christmas festivities unfold as the United States maintains a military presence in the Caribbean Sea, allegedly to combat drug trafficking from Caracas, according to statements by Trump. Since September, Maduro had hinted at his intention to declare an early start to Christmas, a move he has repeated since taking power in 2013. He argues that this strategy has proven successful “for the economy, culture, and the joy of the people.”
Alongside the lighting in Caracas, the traditional cross on Mount Waraira Repano (known as El Ávila), a Christmas symbol for the Venezuelan capital, was also illuminated. Caracas's head of government, Nahum Fernández, announced that in the coming days, a cultural agenda organized with the Ministry of Culture would be unveiled. “Here, we are happy people; we are joyful people, unlike those in other countries who do not like Christmas,” he remarked with irony.
Spreading Festivity Across Venezuela
In Petare, known as the largest slum in the country, another celebration was organized by the People's Guard, including the distribution of Christmas hats and sparklers to children. Major Jhoan Manuel Olages stated that the activities were conducted “in perfect popular-military-police fusion.”
Diana Romero, an activist with the organization Una Sonrisa, Una Esperanza, supported the early festivities: “This way, Venezuelans forget all that keeps them in anxiety,” she said, referring to the U.S. military presence near Venezuelan shores.
Meanwhile, in Maracaibo, the capital of Zulia state, hundreds gathered in the Plaza de la República for another celebration featuring music and official acts. These events occur just two days after Vice President Delcy Rodríguez announced that Maduro had signed a “decree of external commotion,” granting special powers in defense and security in response to what she labeled as “imperial threats.”
Understanding Venezuela's Political Climate During Christmas
Why did Nicolás Maduro start Christmas celebrations early in Venezuela?
Maduro initiated early Christmas celebrations as a political strategy, claiming it benefits the economy, culture, and joy of the Venezuelan people, while also serving as a statement against U.S. pressures.
What message did Maduro convey during the Christmas celebrations?
Maduro's message was politically charged, asserting that Venezuela's peace and tranquility could not be taken away by what he described as economic and media warfare, territorial pressures, and schemes from the U.S.
How did the U.S. respond to Venezuela's early Christmas celebrations?
The U.S. has maintained a military presence in the Caribbean allegedly to combat drug trafficking from Venezuela, which has been a point of contention between the two countries.