The worlds of Maduro sometimes they are surreal. So much so that the Venezuelan president has declared the beginning of the Christmas in the South American country in October, reports Efe. And not only has it been officially declared with several events, it has also filled the streets with decorations, trees and Christmas motifs as if it were already well into December.
With a countdown, the mayor of Caracas, Carmen Melendez led the traditional lighting of a cross that is located in the Lebanon weather the main mountain formation of the Venezuelan capital, known as Ávila, which prevails in the north of the city.
From a square, the official called to celebrate a “happy, safe and family Christmas”, while the Minister of Culture, Ernesto Villegas who was also at the event, urged taking advantage of the season to reaffirm national identity.
In the official’s opinion, the “Christmas route” that began this Tuesday should not be “empty, without content”, but rather an opportunity – he maintained – to “reaffirm the roots” of Venezuela.
Christmas trees, tunnels of lights and figures such as balls, stars, bows, gift boxes and snowflakes decorate various spaces of Caracas where passers-by stop for a few moments to take photographs, especially those who are with children.
Some buildings of public institutions are also already decorated, while work continues in the city, where “Merry Christmas” messages and the typical candy canes are also seen.
On Tuesday night, there were concerts and various activities in Caracas and states like Miranda, Carabobo, Guárico and Lara according to images broadcast by the state channel Venezolana de Televisión (VTV).
Meanwhile, the country is going through a political crisis unleashed after the July 28 elections, in which Maduro was proclaimed the winner by the National Electoral Council (CNE) based on results that are still unknown in a disaggregated manner, while the majority opposition claims the “victory” of its standard bearer, Edmundo González Urrutia now exiled in Spain.
On September 2, Maduro announced that he would bring forward Christmas “in tribute” and “in gratitude” to Venezuelans after the elections.
Subsequently, the Episcopal Conference of Venezuela (CEV) stated that this holiday “should not be used for propaganda or particular political purposes.”