Venezuela's Socialist Hero 'Super Mustache' Forces Nation to...
Venezuela’s socialist regime recently premiered the latest episode of dictator Nicolás Maduro’s superhero propaganda cartoon Súper Bigote (“Super Mustache”) on Sunday. The episode celebrates the early arrival of Christmas in October, as decreed by the dictator. Súper Bigote is a socialist cartoon series launched by the ruling regime, featuring Maduro as an anti-American version of the iconic hero Superman.
Maduro's Anti-American Superhero
In Súper Bigote, the titular hero battles enemies of Maduro’s regime such as the Venezuelan opposition, the “inflation monster,” and even Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The character was created in response to the socialist party's criticism of "capitalist" superheroes like Spider-Man for allegedly promoting youth violence in Venezuela. Maduro's superhero persona has been prominently featured in regime propaganda and official Venezuelan national parades.
To further promote socialist ideology, the Maduro regime invested public funds in giving Súper Bigote his own theme song, line of toys, costumes, and other merchandise.
Christmas Celebrations in Venezuela
The latest episode of the show revolves around Maduro's decision to initiate Christmas celebrations early. The episode features basic animation and Maduro does not voice his character. The cartoon Maduro in the episode emphasizes peace, social security, and stability in Venezuela, highlighting the country's preparations since October for the Christmas season.
A Venezuelan woman in the episode mentions various Christmas traditions in Venezuela, including Zulian gaitas, hallaca, nativity scene preparations, and pan de jamon ("ham bread"). The episode ends with Maduro, now in his Súper Bigote persona, flying with a gift and declaring the early start of Christmas for 2024.
Controversies and Criticisms
Maduro's rescheduling of the Christmas season in Venezuela has faced criticism for potentially serving as a distraction from the country's social and economic challenges due to decades of socialist policies. The regime's decision to start Christmas in October and extend it through January has been viewed as a tactic to overshadow the humanitarian crisis and mass migration affecting millions of Venezuelans.
Critics have condemned the rescheduling as an attempt to divert attention from the repression unleashed by Maduro's regime against dissidents, including minors, following the disputed presidential election. Maduro, in response to international journalists questioning the early start of Christmas, dismissed them as "imbeciles" and "mercenaries."
Despite the controversies, Maduro continues to defend his decree and the early start of Christmas in Venezuela, sparking both national and international debate.
