Venezuelans in Queens celebrate hope and resilience ahead of elections in their country.

This Sunday, the bustling neighborhood of Queens in New York became the epicenter of hope and resilience expressed by Venezuelans abroad. Despite being unable to exercise their right to vote in their country’s presidential elections, hundreds of Venezuelans gathered to celebrate and express their longing for change. With flags waving and faces painted, compatriots armed themselves with music and encouragement, creating a festive atmosphere that resonated with chants of freedom. Participants from various parts of the city and its surroundings congregated on a traffic-free street, a symbol of unity that seeks to challenge adversity. As the crowd grew, the energy intensified; shouts of “freedom” and “it will fall, it will fall, this government will fall” echoed, reflecting the hopes of a people yearning for a new Venezuela. This event was not only a celebration but also a declaration of intentions regarding the future of the country. Among the attendees was Mileidys, a Venezuelan now residing in New York, who shared her enthusiasm for the promises of change from opposition leader María Corina Machado. “If María Corina fulfills what she promised us, we will return to Venezuela,” she asserted with conviction. Her story is representative of many immigrants who, after fleeing the crisis, find themselves abroad, supporting political change from afar. The lack of diplomatic relations prevents Venezuelans in the U.S. from voting, making these celebrations both an act of reclamation and desperation. The closure of Venezuelan consulates in the United States has left many without the opportunity to participate in the electoral process, a reality that has deepened the sense of uprootedness among the diaspora. However, this feeling has not diminished their desire to contribute to the fight for freedom in their country. A sign on a car summed up the collective sentiment: “They took so much from us that they took away our fear.” The celebration in Queens was also tinged with nostalgia, as the event coincided with the commemoration of Hugo Chávez's birth, a charismatic leader whose polarizing figure continues to shape Venezuelan politics. As Venezuelans listened to news about the elections, the figure of Nicolás Maduro, who is seeking re-election, loomed on the horizon, along with the challenge posed by opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia. The event, which started with a few hundred people, soon attracted more compatriots, prompting police intervention to clear the avenue. This increase in participation is a clear indicator that the Venezuelan community abroad is more united than ever, ready to make their voices heard in pursuit of meaningful change in their homeland. Street vendors also benefited from the situation, offering flags and shirts bearing messages of support for the opposition. The sale of these products in a climate of patriotic fervor demonstrates how the celebrations intertwine with the local economy, generating a sense of community and resistance among Venezuelans. As the afternoon progressed, national anthems resonated in the air of Queens, reaffirming identity and patriotism. The mix of emotions—hope, nostalgia, and determination—defined the day, making it clear that, although physically distant, these Venezuelans have not forgotten their homeland. The situation in Venezuela remains complex and tense, but the mobilization of the diaspora in New York serves as a reminder that the struggles for freedom and democracy know no borders. The Venezuelan community abroad remains steadfast in its goal of seeing their country free and democratic, a longing that, although distant, feels increasingly close in their hearts.