Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared Christmas will come early this year, in October, as he faces declining popularity and domestic strife.
Maduro faced the biggest challenge to his 11-year rule in the past month after he claimed a landslide victory in an election dismissed by most as fraudulent. Violent protests and riots were quelled by a violent response from police and loyalist paramilitaries, which resulted in nearly 2,000 arrests and over a dozen deaths. The chaos has further isolated the socialist leader internationally.
In a bid to ease tensions, Maduro decided to deck the halls early and decreed Christmas would take place two and a half months earlier this year.
“September is coming, and I said: September already smells like Christmas,” Maduro said Monday night on his weekly TV show, Con Maduro+. “It smells like Christmas, it smells like Christmas. So this year, as a tribute to you and in appreciation of you, I am going to decree that Christmas will start on October 1. Christmas starts on October 1 for everyone. Christmas comes with peace.”
It’s not exactly clear what this means, but it will likely feature decorations of public buildings and celebrations. The extension of Christmas cheer to the political opposition is unlikely — Maduro ordered the arrest of the Venezuelan opposition leader just hours before his announcement.
Many immediately greeted the declaration with skepticism, including the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference. The organization warned that one of the holiest days on the Christian calendar “is not to be used for political or propaganda goals,” and it would continue to be celebrated on Dec. 25.
Other Venezuelans, who are struggling with poverty and rising costs of living, complained the move was a hollow gesture.
“Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy, family reunions, parties, presents,” Jose Ernesto Ruiz, a 57-year-old office worker, told the Associated Press. “But without money and with this political crisis, who can believe that there will be an early Christmas?”
“We are all worried about how we are going to put food on the table, how we are going to pay for the bus, send the children to school, and buy medicine when we need it,” said Ines Quevedo, a 39-year-old secretary and mother.
“I don’t think they will improve our salaries or pay us the ‘aguinaldo,’” she added in reference to Christmas bonuses.
However, the move boasted some defenders. Pro-government journalist Barry Cartaya said those criticizing it were being “illogical” and blinded by hatred.
“Who can refuse to extend the most beautiful time of the year?” he asked.
This is not the first time Maduro has decreed Christmas be held earlier, as he made the same announcement during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current move, however, is looked down upon by many as desperate.
Monday’s announcement also isn’t the first Christmas-related move around the election and resulting crackdown. The General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence, Venezuela’s military counterintelligence agency, released a video showing arrests as part of Operation Tun Tun, also known as Operation Knock Knock, to the sound of “Carol of the Bells.”
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Maduro has made headlines for his erratic behavior amid the chaos surrounding the election. He has turned X CEO Elon Musk into his archrival by challenging him to a fight and claiming he’s part of a satanic cult worshipped by Adolf Hitler. In a state propaganda cartoon, Maduro’s superhero alter ego harnessed the power of God to expel a demonic Musk to Mars.
Another recurring rival is Argentinian President Javier Milei, who Maduro recently said at a press conference isn’t a Homo sapien but rather a “Homo Nazi.”
