Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced on September 8 that Christmas celebrations in the country would start on October 1, advancing the traditional holiday season by nearly two months for the second year in a row.

Speaking on his weekly state television programme, Maduro described the move as a defence of citizens’ “right to happiness and joy,” at a time when the United States has stepped up military presence near Venezuelan waters in the Caribbean, targeting what Washington describes as cartel-run drug trafficking operations.

The early festivities aim to stimulate commerce, cultural activity, and public morale, according to Maduro, who listed a slew of traditional seasonal events including Christmas carols, hallacas, and regional celebrations. He framed the decree as part of a broader strategy to bolster national pride and reinforce social cohesion, asserting that “nothing and no one in the world” can undermine Venezuelan traditions or its festive spirit.

This decision follows a pattern established in recent years. After the July 2024 elections, which were widely criticised for irregularities and deemed fraudulent by much of the international community, Maduro similarly brought forward Christmas celebrations, presenting them as a reward and symbol of resilience for Venezuelans.

Last year, public events were largely staged by state employees, with extensive security measures in place and restrictions imposed on foreign visitors from countries deemed "potentially hostile," including Peru, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Chile. Transportation authorities implemented strict entry controls, citing security concerns.

Maduro’s outlandish announcement comes amid rising tensions with Washington, which recently destroyed a vessel allegedly transporting narcotics from Venezuela, killing 11 people. The strongman president characterised the US presence in the Caribbean, the largest in decades, as part of a campaign to undermine his government and push for regime change. He condemned American actions as attempts to “humiliate Venezuela,” insisting that no Venezuelan generation would submit to foreign coercion.

The Trump administration accuses the Venezuelan leader of heading the "Cartel de los Soles", an alleged criminal and terrorist organisation involved in cocaine trafficking to the US.

By late August, the Pentagon had dispatched more than 4,000 troops, eight missile-equipped ships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and 10 F-35 jets to Puerto Rico.

Maduro, appearing on September 5 in full military attire at a rally in Caracas, vowed resistance and announced the activation of over 5,300 militia units, which the government claims encompass more than 12.5mn fighters.

Analysts argue that the early celebrations may serve dual purposes: signalling defiance externally while consolidating domestic support in the face of economic and political challenges.

Venezuela, meanwhile, continues to grapple with inflation, debt, and declining public trust, making the symbolic promotion of national traditions a last-resort tool for projecting resilience.