Venezuela began the Christmas celebrations in the country from this October, the anticipation of the celebration was announced by the country’s dictator, Nicolás Madura, in September. Maduro stated that the decree is a way of “defending happiness.”
“As our people are constantly searching for their happiness and economic, commercial and cultural activity, we want them to unite and strengthen; we will apply the same formula of other years, which worked very well for the economy, culture and happiness,” he said.
A. At the time the country faced a difficult economic scenario, the dictator then advanced the Christmas fairs that sell gifts and supper ingredients, at a time when they also faced a shortage of products.
Maduro repeated practice several times in the following years, including 2024. Bishops criticized the measure last year, stating that the celebration should not be used politically or for advertisements, and the date is defined by the Catholic Church.
In this year’s announcement he stated: “With joy, commerce, activity, culture, Christmas songs and bellows. This is the way to defend happiness, the right to happiness, the right to joy.”
Tension with the USA
Anticipation occurs amid increased tensions between Venezuela and the United States, after Donald Trump order the advance of troops near the Venezuelan territory.
Washington attacked Venezuelan boats in the Caribbean Sea, while Caracas trains thousands of militia throughout the country.
In a televised speech, Maduro stated that to protect his country. The dictator told the nation that the measure aims to “protect the people, peace and stability … if Venezuela is attacked by the US Empire.”
The US accused the Venezuelan of involvement with drug trafficking – an accusation he vehemently denies – and recently doubled the reward for information leading to his prison to $ 50 million.
