In brief
Venezuela has erupted in joy following the national baseball team's 3-2 victory over the United States. This victory, described as historic, is seen as a beacon of hope for a nation grappling with a long-standing crisis under authoritarian rule. Acting president Delcy Rodríguez declared a 'day of joy,' allowing citizens to revel freely. The overwhelming celebration transcended the game, uniting Venezuelans worldwide in shared pride and optimism for the future.
CARACAS, Venezuela — There’s happiness, and then there’s Venezuelan happiness. It feels sweeter, louder, deeper—probably because it doesn’t arrive as often and is often met with censorship. On Wednesday, Venezuelans collectively unleashed this repressed joy as they celebrated their national baseball team’s thrilling 3-2 victory over the United States in the World Baseball Classic final.We hadn’t expressed this happiness that we want to shout, said hairdresser Deyanira Machado outside a beauty salon in Caracas. The significance of the victory went beyond the scoreboard; it marked a moment of unity for a nation that has felt suffocated under authoritarianism for years.The game and its aftermath had an infectious energy. Streets filled with noise as people rang pots and pans and cars honked in jubilation. Grocery stores saw an influx of beer sales as celebrating citizens flocked to public plazas, singing the national anthem, tears of joy streaming down their faces.Acting president Delcy Rodríguez announced a national 'day of joy' after the game, though the jubilant atmosphere made the official notice unnecessary. People took to the streets in massive demonstrations of joy, waving the Venezuelan flag, connecting with fellow countrymen and expressing unfiltered happiness, a rare sensation in recent times.This victory came after tumultuous months wherein the Venezuelan populace witnessed their longtime authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro forcibly removed, an event that still stirs fear yet offers glimpses of hope. Despite the challenges, Venezuelans vastly celebrated their baseball team's success, viewing it as a historical moment not just for the country, but for a shared identity that resonates with Venezuelans around the globe. “This championship isn’t just about a baseball game,” said hospital worker Lanjhonier Lozada, waving a Venezuelan flag. “This game is historic. Words fail me. We are world champions! Who would have imagined it?”In every corner where Venezuelans reside, emotions flowed as celebrations signified a yearning for better times ahead. As Yenny Reyes, a mother of two baseball fans noted, This is the beginning of many good things to come for Venezuela.In the backdrop of economic turmoil and a significant exodus of its people, this moment of national pride could catalyze optimism for a brighter future as Venezuelans worldwide connect through their shared joy.
