Christmas starts in Venezuela, but the festive mood is nowhere to be found

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — It doesn’t feel like Christmas in Venezuela. At least not yet. Even if the president wants it to be.

Residents of Caracas, the capital, woke up Tuesday to a towering Christmas tree standing in a popular public square, weeks after President Nicolás Maduro declared the jolly season would start earlier this year in the South American country.

Workers rushed to set up decorations in various neighborhoods, but the mood was far from festive.

“I think it’s terrible because it’s October,” said Desiré Aguiar, 32, before setting up her jewelry and accessories booth in a local market. “Halloween hasn’t even passed, and it’s already Christmas? Are we celebrating them together?”