Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has taken the unusual step of declaring an early Christmas celebration in the country, starting from October 1. This decision marks the earliest advance of Christmas in recent years, with previous shifts occurring in November and mid-October.
Maduro stated, “I decree the beginning of a happy Christmas for the Venezuelan people. It will be the best one we’ve ever had,” sparking a festive atmosphere in the midst of political unrest.
Despite criticism that the early celebration is a ploy to distract from opposition protests, the socialist government continues to distribute food packages to impoverished neighborhoods, embodying the theme of “food sovereignty.”
The move to kickstart Christmas preparations early, complete with decorations at the Miraflores presidential palace, is seen as a strategic maneuver to uplift social morale amid turbulent times.
While some dissenters, such as the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference, have voiced disapproval of the premature festivities, Maduro remains committed to his policies aimed at bolstering the economy and maintaining stability.
This decision comes in the face of mounting political challenges, with Maduro facing international scrutiny over election results. Amidst allegations of election manipulation, the United States and several Latin American countries have rejected the outcome, further complicating the political landscape in Venezuela.