Venezuela's dictator, Nicolás Maduro, announced once again that Christmas will begin early in the country.
This year, the celebrations will start on October 1st, in a decision that aims, according to the president himself, "to stimulate the economy, culture, and the people's joy".
However, the measure takes place in a context of severe internal crisis and growing tensions with the United States, which reinforces the view that it is a political tool intended to maintain social cohesion and divert attention from structural problems.
During the presentation of this measure, the dictator stated that the early Christmas will allow "maintaining the people's joy and promoting local commerce", with cultural activities such as Christmas carols, gaitas, hallacas, and celebrations in working-class neighborhoods.
Maduro also lashed out against the Catholic Church and the opposition: "Some guys in cassocks came out to say that there is Christmas only if they decree it. No, no, sir in cassock, you don't decree anything here. Jesus Christ belongs to the people, Christmas belongs to the people, and the people celebrate it whenever they want to celebrate their Christmas".
