The president of Venezuela again anticipates Christmas in the country, seeking to “stimulate the economy, culture and joy of the population.”
He President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduroannounced that Christmas will begin this year on October 1anticipating December to Encourage economic activity, strengthen culture and generate spaces of social union. The measure also seeks to distribute aid and maintain cohesion in the middle of internal crises and international pressures.
The president explained that the early celebration will allow Maintain the joy of the people and promote local tradeas well as cultural activities such as carol, bagpipes, hawks and festive events in different neighborhoods of the country. According to Maduro, this strategy contributes to the economic and social recoveryoffering a respite in times of tensions.
In addition, he criticized the church and opposition sectors: “Some types with cassock came out to say that there are Christmas only if they decreed it. No, no, Lord of Sotana, you here do not decree anything. Jesus Christ belongs to the people, Christmas are from the people and the people celebrate them when they want to celebrate their Christmas. “
Maduro also stressed that this year was “Good and beautiful”highlighting that Venezuela achieved “Remove and rebuild” Despite internal problems and international tensions, including the recent escalation with the US. Anticipated Christmas thus becomes a political and social instrument to reinforce cohesion between the population and government institutions.
Nicolas Maduro
Matias Delacroix / Associated Press
Antecedents of early Christmas
What for many might seem an unusual measure, to Nicolás Maduro He became a recurring practice since he assumed the presidency of Venezuela. The first time was in 2013when at the beginning of November he used the holiday to raise the mood of the population after the death of former president Hugo Chávez. On that occasion he said: “We are going to advance Christmas so that people can enjoy this era of peace and love, and forget a little of the difficulties.”
Tradition continued during the following years, although not always with the same date.
- 2015: October 30
- 2016: October 28
- 2017: October 31
- 2018: October 29
- 2019: October 31
- 2020: October 29
- 2021: October 27
- 2022: October 30
- 2023: September 1
- 2024: October 1
Despite the criticism of opposition and religious sectors, the advance of Christmas consolidated as A recurring strategy of the Maduro governmentcombining economic stimulus, social actions and cultural promotion. Every year, the early feast becomes an instrument to reinforce social cohesion and maintain the attention of the population.
Source: Ambito
