Venezuela’s leader Nicolas Maduro has declared Christmas will be celebrated on October 1. In an official decree, Maduro announced the decision, marking the second time he has moved the holiday forward. The move, framed as a gesture to bring “joy” to Venezuelans, coincides with heightened military tensions between Venezuela and the United States.
Maduro cited efforts to protect “the right to happiness” of his country’s citizens during a televised address, stating celebrations would include commerce, culture, dancing, and traditional foods. The declaration follows increased U.S. military activity near Venezuela’s borders, including the deployment of warships and Marines. Washington has raised the bounty for Maduro’s capture to $50 million, accusing him of orchestrating drug trafficking networks.
Recent clashes have intensified after a U.S. strike in international waters killed 11 individuals linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration. The group has been implicated in cocaine smuggling and other crimes. Maduro has vowed to defend Venezuela against what he calls external aggression, while U.S. officials emphasize their focus on dismantling transnational criminal networks.