CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — The Christmas spirit has yet to fully embrace Venezuela, despite President Nicolás Maduro's efforts to kickstart the festive season earlier this year. Caracas residents awoke to a towering Christmas tree in a popular public square, signaling the start of the holiday season, although the mood remains subdued.
Many Venezuelans associate Christmas with lavish shopping sprees and generous bonuses from employers, a stark contrast to the current economic hardships facing the country. In the past, employees would receive substantial year-end bonuses, often three times their monthly salary, leading to a flurry of spending and festive preparations.
However, the economic collapse in Venezuela has dampened the holiday spirit, turning Christmas into a stark reminder of the growing wealth gap in the country. With meager wages and bonuses, the season has become a time of struggle for many Venezuelans.
President Maduro's decision to declare an early start to the Christmas season has been met with mixed reactions. While some criticize the move due to economic concerns, others reject it on religious grounds, insisting that Christmas should be celebrated in December to honor the birth of Jesus Christ.
The political climate in Venezuela has added to the tension surrounding the early start to Christmas. Following the controversial election in July, which saw Maduro secure a third term, the country witnessed widespread protests and a crackdown on dissent. Security forces detained thousands of people, and protesters clashed with authorities, leading to casualties and destruction.
Despite the challenges, some Venezuelans have found a silver lining in the early Christmas preparations, noting improvements in public spaces such as cleaner streets. However, the underlying issues of economic hardship and political unrest continue to cast a shadow over the holiday season in Venezuela.
