Thousands of Venezuelans living abroad poured into streets across the world on Saturday to celebrate the removal of longtime leader Nicolas Maduro, following his capture by US forces. The scenes reflected the relief and hope felt by many among the nearly eight million people who fled Venezuela amid economic collapse and political repression.
In Santiago, Chile, large crowds waved Venezuelan flags and dressed in the national colors of yellow, blue, and red. Cheers and music filled the streets as people expressed hopes of returning home.
“At last we’ll be able to go back,” said street vendor Yurimar Rojas, struggling to be heard above the jubilant noise. “At last we’ll have a free country.”
Maduro, whose 2018 and 2024 re-election claims were widely rejected by the international community, was seized during a pre-dawn US military operation and is expected to be taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges.
“This is incredible for us,” said Yasmery Gallardo, 61, who has lived in Chile for eight years and now hopes to return to Venezuela. “I’m already planning my trip. I can’t wait to be back.”
Many Venezuelans in Chile have also been uneasy amid tough rhetoric from president-elect Jose Antonio Kast, who has pledged to deport large numbers of undocumented migrants.
Celebrations Across Continents
In Miami, thousands gathered waving flags, singing, and chanting, with some shouting, “Thank you, Trump!”
“January 3 is the day our dreams finally came true,” said Ana Gonzalez. Another celebrant, Anabela Ramos, called it a moment she had waited for “27 years.”
Spain also saw major celebrations, particularly in Madrid, where thousands of Venezuelans embraced, cried, and chanted, “He has fallen!” and “He is gone!”
“I came to celebrate the end of the dictatorship,” said Pedro Marcano, 47, who has lived abroad for 11 years and hopes to return home once the situation becomes clearer.
Uncertainty remains, however. US President Donald Trump has said the United States will oversee Venezuela temporarily until a transition of power takes place. He has suggested working with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, while dismissing opposition leader Maria Corina Machado as lacking sufficient domestic support. Rodríguez, for her part, later insisted Maduro remains Venezuela’s legitimate president and vowed to defend the country.
At the Madrid rally, a recorded message from Machado calling out “Venezuela will be free” was played, prompting emotional reactions from the crowd.
Relief Mixed With Grief
In Colombia, which hosts nearly three million Venezuelans, many reacted with joy tempered by painful memories. In Bogotá, hairdresser Kevin Zambrano described himself as “happy, happy, happy,” thanking the US for intervening.
Security guard Yeiner Benitez became tearful as he recalled leaving Venezuela in 2022 and losing his uncle due to lack of access to basic medication.
“These years were filled with hunger, fear, torture, and loss,” he said. “What’s happening now feels like divine justice.”
Voices of Dissent
Not all reactions were celebratory. In Mexico City, dozens protested outside the US embassy, condemning what they saw as foreign interference. Demonstrators waved signs reading “No to war” and urged Venezuelans not to surrender control of their country’s resources.
“Venezuelan brothers, resist,” protest leader Mario Benitez told the crowd. “Don’t give your land, oil, and gold to the United States.”
As celebrations and protests unfolded worldwide, Venezuela’s future remained uncertain, with many hopeful yet wary about what comes next.
