Background on the Venezuelan Diaspora in Spain
Madrid, Spain, is home to one of the largest Venezuelan diasporas in the world, with approximately 400,000 Venezuelans residing there, according to the National Statistics Institute.
Celebrations in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol
On Saturday, a spontaneous gathering of Venezuelans took place in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, one of the city’s most iconic locations. The crowd celebrated Nicolás Maduro’s capture by the United States, expressing hope for a swift return to their homeland.
With chants of “He’s gone, he’s gone!” and “He fell, he fell!”, the atmosphere was festive, filled with dancing, singing, and celebrations. Many wore caps or wrapped themselves in the Venezuelan flag, embracing and cheering for an improvised figure representing Maduro in handcuffs.
“A New Beginning” – Pedro Marcano’s Perspective
Pedro Marcano, a 47-year-old Venezuelan, expressed gratitude to the United States for this “great favor” for those in Venezuela and abroad. He looks forward to returning to his homeland, though the future remains unclear.
“I will be among the first to go as soon as they open the skies,” Marcano said, wiping away a tear as he recalled not seeing his family for eleven years.
“I Have Nothing More to Do Here” – Yuleida Peña’s Aspirations
Yuleida Peña, 58, plans to return to Venezuela immediately after the U.S. action against Maduro, as she has no further reason to stay in Spain.
“I’ve managed to get rid of the worst,” Peña said, referring to Maduro. However, she remains concerned for those still living in Venezuela under the regime of “thieves and criminals.”
Peña acknowledged that the U.S. acted in its own interests, citing oil and minerals, but supports restoring economic ties with the U.S. if it benefits the people and restores freedom.
Jocelin Piguave’s Hope for María Corina Machado
Jocelin Piguave, 30, also hopes to return home, inspired by the recent Nobel Peace Prize awarded to opposition leader María Corina Machado. However, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Machado lacks the necessary support and respect to govern her country.
Cautious Optimism Among Celebrants
Despite the celebrations, many at Puerta del Sol remain cautious about the future. Karla Ramírez, a 53-year-old domestic worker, advised waiting to see how the transition unfolds.
“There are people who won’t want to let go, and a civil war could ensue,” Ramírez warned, though she still celebrated the potential for change.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the Venezuelans celebrating in Madrid? They are celebrating Nicolás Maduro’s capture by the United States.
- Why is this significant for Venezuelans in Spain? Many have left their families behind and see this as a step towards ending the dictatorship in Venezuela.
- What are the concerns of those in the diaspora? There are worries about the future of Venezuela and those still living under Maduro’s regime.
- Who is María Corina Machado? She is a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader recently awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
- What is the overall mood among Venezuelans in Madrid? There’s cautious optimism, with many hoping for a better future in Venezuela.
