Massive crowds of Venezuelans residing overseas flooded the streets of major capitals worldwide on Saturday in euphoric celebrations following the dramatic ousting of President Nicolás Maduro by United States military forces.
The spontaneous street parties attracted members of Venezuela’s sprawling diaspora nearly eight million citizens who fled their homeland over successive years marked by economic collapse, authoritarian crackdowns and widespread social upheaval during Maduro’s controversial tenure.
In Santiago, Chile’s capital, thousands converged on city centre locations, brandishing Venezuelan flags whilst draped in their nation’s distinctive yellow, blue and red colours.
The mood was electric as patriotic songs, rhythmic chants and tearful reunions dominated the streets.
“We can finally dream of returning home,” declared Yurimar Rojas, a street hawker, her voice nearly drowned by the roaring crowd. “Venezuela is free at last.”
Maduro, whose electoral victories in 2018 and 2024 were widely dismissed by the international community as fraudulent, was apprehended during a dawn raid by American forces and now faces extradition to New York on narcotics trafficking charges.
For countless Venezuelans in self-imposed exile, the development represented a watershed moment following prolonged periods of despair.
“This is everything we’ve prayed for,” remarked Yasmery Gallardo, 61, an eight-year resident of Chile. “I’m making arrangements to go back. I honestly never imagined this day would come.”
The Chilean celebrations also exposed underlying tensions amongst the migrant population.
Numerous Venezuelans in Chile have endured precarious circumstances amid campaign promises from President-elect José Antonio Kast, who has vowed mass deportations of illegal immigrants, predominantly targeting Venezuelan nationals.
Across the Atlantic in Miami, Florida, thousands assembled in boisterous demonstrations, belting out songs, raising chants and planting kisses on Venezuelan flags.
Several openly credited President Donald Trump for authorising the military intervention.
“Our dreams as exiled Venezuelans have materialised today,” proclaimed celebrant Ana Gonzalez.
Others characterised the occasion as profoundly emotional. “I’ve waited 27 years for this moment,” confessed Anabela Ramos. “It’s actually happening.”
Parallel scenes erupted throughout Europe. In Madrid, where approximately 400,000 Venezuelans reside, massive crowds occupied public plazas, bellowing “He is gone” and “The dictatorship has collapsed,” whilst enveloped in national flags.
“I came out to celebrate our liberation,” stated Pedro Marcano, 47, who departed Venezuela 11 years prior. “I’m eager to return home, but we must first observe how matters develop.”
Notwithstanding the festivities, considerable uncertainty clouds Venezuela’s immediate trajectory.
President Trump announced on Saturday that Washington would temporarily administer Venezuelan affairs pending establishment of fresh governance structures.
Trump indicated that Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has signalled readiness for dialogue with the United States, whilst opposition figure María Corina Machado purportedly lacks adequate domestic backing to seize power.
Rodríguez, conversely, subsequently proclaimed in a televised statement that Maduro remained Venezuela’s “sole legitimate president” and vowed the administration stood ready to protect national sovereignty.
At the Madrid gathering, a recorded address from Machado was broadcast to attendees, prompting reverential silence.
“Venezuela shall be free,” she declared, triggering emotional responses amongst the crowd, several wiping tears whilst locked in embraces.
