Maduro Declares Early Christmas Amid Ongoing Protests

Sponsored Ad

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has announced that Christmas will begin in October this year, amidst ongoing political unrest. The declaration follows the disputed July election, in which Maduro claimed his third term, sparking protests and leading to the arrest of over 2,000 people.

During a televised address, Maduro said: "It's September, and it already smells like Christmas," declaring celebrations would start on October 1. The Venezuelan Episcopal Conference criticized the move, warning that Christmas should not be used for political purposes and traditionally begins on December 25.

Many citizens are skeptical about the announcement due to the economic crisis. The minimum wage remains at 130 bolivars per month, roughly $3.55. José Ernesto Ruiz, a Caracas resident, said: "Without money and with this political crisis, who can believe there will be an early Christmas?"

This is not the first time Maduro has moved the holiday; he did so during the COVID-19 pandemic, though never this early. Despite the ongoing tensions, Maduro insisted the holiday would bring "peace, happiness, and security."

Meanwhile, hours before the announcement, a judge issued an arrest warrant for opposition leader Edmundo González, intensifying the political situation further.