Venezuela has recently been in the spotlight due to the aftermath of a contentious presidential election, with both the ruling party and opposition claiming victory, increased persecution of critics, and an arrest warrant issued for a former opposition candidate.
Amid these political tensions, President Nicolás Maduro announced on his weekly television show that he plans to declare an early start to the Christmas season on October 1. “It’s September, and it already smells like Christmas,” he stated. He described this early celebration as a tribute and expression of gratitude to the people of Venezuela.
However, many citizens are skeptical about the festive proclamation. José Ernesto Ruiz, a 57-year-old office worker in Caracas, expressed doubt, stating that the essence of Christmas is joy and celebration, which feels unattainable amid financial struggles and the ongoing political crisis.
This is not the first time Maduro has proclaimed an early Christmas; he previously did so during the COVID-19 pandemic, though never this early in the year. Despite his assurances that the upcoming Christmas will be filled with “peace, happiness, and security,” the political climate remains fraught.
The electoral authorities, loyal to Maduro, declared him the winner of the July 28 election without providing transparent results, leading to international criticism. The opposition has countered with their own tallies showing that their candidate, Edmundo González, received the most votes.
Just hours before Maduro’s holiday announcement, a judge issued an arrest warrant for González on various charges, including conspiracy and falsifying documents. Following the election, protests erupted, resulting in the arrest of numerous individuals, including journalists and politicians, with over 2,000 arrests reported since then.
Concerns about daily living conditions are prominent among citizens. Inés Quevedo, a 39-year-old mother of two, voiced worries over affording basic necessities, schooling for her children, and medical care. She expressed doubt that salaries would be improved or that workers would receive the traditional Christmas bonuses known as ‘aguinaldo.’
Since 2022, the minimum wage has remained stagnant at 130 bolivars per month, equivalent to approximately $3.55. Workers also receive a food assistance bonus and potential government benefits, but many remain uncertain about the true nature of this coming Christmas season.