Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro, has decreed that Christmas will commence in October 2024,a move he announced during his weekly television show on Monday.
Maduro, who has previously made similar declarations, stated, “September smells like Christmas!” The proclamation, starting the festive season on October 1, was made amidst a significant crackdown on political dissent in Venezuela.
“This year and to honor you all, to thank you all, I am going to decree the beginning of Christmas on October 1. Christmas arrived for everyone, in peace, joy and security!” Maduro proclaimed to his audience, which appeared enthusiastic about the early holiday.
This decision comes against the backdrop of turmoil following Venezuela’s July presidential election.
Maduro claimed victory for a third term amid widespread skepticism and opposition claims of electoral fraud.
His main rival, opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, is now facing arrest on charges related to terrorism.
Gonzalez has not responded to summonses concerning an opposition website that published contested vote results.
In a related development, U.S. authorities have seized a Venezuelan plane linked to Maduro in the Dominican Republic, with a second aircraft under surveillance.
The U.S. and neighboring governments have demanded detailed voting data to verify the election results.
The Venezuelan government’s crackdown on dissent has intensified, with over 2,400 arrests reported and many fleeing or hiding due to fear of government retaliation.
Human Rights Watch has described the current repression as the deadliest in years, with reports of at least 11 fatalities during mass protests. Non-governmental organizations put the death toll at 24.
Despite his festive declaration, Maduro has overseen a harsh crackdown, including the opening of new prisons to accommodate the surge in detained protesters.
His “Operation Knock-Knock,” a term adapted from a popular Venezuelan Christmas song, symbolizes the government’s aggressive approach to silencing critics.
Maduro’s decision to extend the Christmas season is not unprecedented. In 2023, he declared Christmas would start on November 1, expressing regret for not initiating it earlier.
In 2021, amid pandemic lockdowns, he advanced the holiday season to October 4 to stimulate the economy.
The Venezuelan Episcopal Conference has criticized Maduro’s early Christmas decree, stating that “Christmas commences on December 25” and should not be used for political or propaganda purposes.
