Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has announced that Christmas will begin on October 1, 2024, during his weekly television show on Monday.
Maduro stated, “September smells like Christmas!” and proclaimed, “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!”
This decision comes amid a significant crackdown on political dissent in Venezuela, following the country’s July presidential election. Maduro claimed victory for a third term, but his main rival, opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, has not conceded and is now facing arrest on charges related to terrorism.
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” symbolizes the government’s aggressive approach to silencing critics.
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.
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.
