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The Catholic Church has condemned Nicolás Maduro’s decision to bring forward Christmas, because the manner and time of its celebration is up to the ecclesiastical authority.
Thousands of Venezuelans are already enjoying Christmas, after President Nicolás Maduro decreed the advancement of the most anticipated holiday of the year.
The president’s decision comes amid questions about the results of the July 28 election in the country, in which the ruling party declared itself the winner over candidate Edmundo González.
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Christmas trees, tunnels of lights and figures such as balls, stars, bows, gift boxes and snowflakes adorn various spaces in Caracas. -
In 2019, 2020 and 2022, Maduro had already decreed that the Christmas season be brought forward and public celebrations be organized in relation to the date. -
Families take advantage of the opportunity to save memories of the season. -
Several public spaces have been decorated with lights and typical images of the festivity. -
The Catholic Church has condemned the president’s decision. The manner and time of its celebration is a matter for ecclesiastical authority. -
Many Venezuelans in schools and colleges began celebrating Christmas, as ordered by President Maduro. -
Shopping malls were not left behind. -
The streets of Venezuela are lit up with Christmas decorations.
Another of the promises of the Chavista government is the payment of the end-of-year bonus, which is the main source of income to cover holiday expenses, including the preparation of hallaca, a corn flour cake filled with a stew with various types of meats and fruits such as olives, which for Venezuelans symbolizes Christmas.
On the other hand, the Christmas bonus is required by law, but it is increasingly less effective according to Venezuelans.
Before Hugo Chavez, Maduro’s predecessor and mentor, came to power, the Christmas bonus was enough to buy new clothes, gifts or the ingredients for Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinner. That is now history.
