In a move seen as a blatant attempt to divert attention from the country’s ongoing crisis, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has unilaterally declared that Christmas will begin on October 1. The surprise decree was announced on September 2 during his weekly television program, Con Maduro+, and has left many citizens scratching their heads.
Maduro’s decision to bring forward the festive season by two months has been met with widespread skepticism, with many viewing it as a desperate attempt to shift the focus away from the turmoil that has gripped the country since the disputed presidential election in July. The election, which Maduro claimed to have won with over 51% of the vote, was widely disputed, with opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez and numerous exit polls suggesting that the result was far from legitimate.
The aftermath of the election has seen weeks of protests and demonstrations, which have been brutally suppressed by Maduro’s regime through tactics including harassment, intimidation, and imprisonment of opposition supporters. The move to declare an early Christmas is seen as a cynical attempt to paper over the cracks and create a sense of festive cheer in a country where many are struggling to make ends meet.
Despite the appearance of Christmas decorations in public spaces, including a tree in the capital city of Caracas, many Venezuelans are unimpressed by Maduro’s decree. “It’s ridiculous,” said Desiré Aguiar. “Halloween hasn’t even passed, and it’s already Christmas? It’s just not right.” Others have taken to social media to mock the decision, with many pointing out that Christmas is traditionally celebrated in December to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
However, due to the fear of reprisal from Maduro’s regime, there has been little public backlash against the decree. The international community has been more vocal in its condemnation, with numerous countries denouncing Maduro’s actions and imposing sanctions on him and his allies. Despite this, Maduro remains firmly in power, with his opponent Gonzalez forced to flee the country and seek asylum in Spain.
