Venezuela has announced the start of its 2025 “Christmas Season” on Wednesday. Helicoid, known as the largest and most infamous torture center in the country.
The socialist leader Nicolas Maduro has decided to change the official start date of the Christmas festivities, a practice he’s adopted since taking over after Hugo Chavez’s death. It seems he tends to adjust this date to suit his preferences almost annually since 2019.
Being predominantly Catholic, Venezuela typically joins the rest of the Christian world in celebrating the Christmas season in December, leading up to the birth of Jesus on the 25th. However, there’s a complicated history with the Catholic Church under Maduro, and Christmas traditions have shifted around—now it even seems to start anywhere from September to November. This year, it’s officially kicked off on October 1st, with instructions for Christmas decorations to go up throughout the month.
The government’s initiation of the holiday season included national events and a Christmas Street Fair, guided by the ruling Socialist Party (PSUV). The festivities reportedly included a fireworks display where Helicoid was lit up all night long.
Originally built in the 1950s, Helicoid now serves as both the hub for the Bolivar National Intelligence Agency and the main site for political imprisonment and torture. Several reports have surfaced about the horrific conditions faced by political prisoners here.
Interestingly, there are claims that the Maduro administration invested private funds to construct a basketball court at Helicoid for a local team, which raises eyebrows given the building’s grim purpose.
Alongside the holiday activities on Wednesday, Maduro took to social media to wish a “Merry Christmas” to the nation, emphasizing the family’s importance and calling for a unified spirit during this sacred time.
He stated, “Today, we start Christmas, a sacred time when we celebrate together and check on our loved ones.” It’s a nice thought, but it feels a little disconnected from the day-to-day reality many people face.
The administration has even released a new episode of a cartoon featuring a superhero character based on Maduro, which promotes this early Christmas as part of a tradition of revolutionary love.
“This annual event represents unity, hope, and light,” he noted, urging citizens to celebrate with “consciousness, love, and joy.”
However, some observers suggest this reshuffling of Christmas timings is merely a tactic to overshadow the pressing economic challenges plaguing the country, challenges tied to the administration’s policies.
Locals have expressed uncertainty about what there is to celebrate amid severe economic struggles and the plummeting value of the currency, with many feeling the burden of these hardships.
One individual shared, “I want to celebrate, but this year has been incredibly tough. My workplace shut down, and I’m currently without a job. My pension won’t even come until December.”
Another voiced frustration, “How are we supposed to celebrate Christmas when we can’t even afford food? A Christmas bonus of 600 borgels (around $3) is hardly anything for two kids.”
“They preach about joy and peace, yet all we feel is fear, anger, and uncertainty,” remarked a university student. “The government can try to celebrate, but the reality is far from festive.”
