Overview

• Maduro set the official start of Christmas for October 1 after announcing the move on September 8 during his weekly Con Maduro + program on state broadcaster VTV.
• He framed the decision as a way to “unite and strengthen” economic, cultural and commercial activity and to promote happiness.
• The timing follows a new strain in U.S.–Venezuela relations after Washington sent warships to the Caribbean in August, which Maduro denounced as threats and urged President Donald Trump to halt.
• Reporters and analysts describe the early festivities as a recurring tactic to divert attention from Venezuela’s political and economic pressures.
• It is the second consecutive year the date has been advanced; in 2024 the announcement coincided with an arrest order for opposition candidate Edmundo González, whereas current reports do not cite a comparable legal action.