Venezuelans in New York celebrate elections with unity and hope for change.

Hundreds of Venezuelans in New York gathered this Sunday to celebrate the presidential elections that took place in their country, despite many being unable to exercise their right to vote. The celebration was held in a festive atmosphere in the Queens neighborhood, home to one of the largest Venezuelan communities in the United States. With flags, t-shirts, and faces painted in the colors of their nation, attendees expressed their desire for change and freedom in Venezuela. The event began with a modest number of people but quickly grew into a crowd that filled the street, singing the national anthem and chanting slogans like "freedom" and "this government will fall." The excitement in the air was palpable as Venezuelans united to demand a better future for their country. The police had to intervene and temporarily close the avenue due to the significant increase in attendees. Mileidys, one of the participants, expressed her hope and confidence that opposition leader María Corina Machado would fulfill her promises. "If María Corina does what she told us, we will return to Venezuela," she stated, surrounded by her husband and three children. The family is part of the migration wave that has brought thousands of Venezuelans to New York in recent years, seeking to escape the crisis that has ravaged their country. Many attendees pointed out that although they could not vote, their presence was an act of resistance and a collective cry for the urgent need for change in Venezuela. The lack of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and the Venezuelan government, especially following the recognition of Juan Guaidó as interim president in 2019, has prevented Venezuelans abroad from participating in electoral processes since then. The festive atmosphere was also complemented by messages of hope and struggle. A sign on a car read: "They took so much from us that they took away our fear." Additionally, a young woman wore a t-shirt that said "María Corina and Edmundo. Free and safe Venezuela for all immigrants and my family," reflecting the deep emotional connection these migrants maintain with their homeland. The celebration was not only a political act but also a way to keep Venezuelan traditions and culture alive abroad. Street vendors took advantage of the occasion to sell flags and other related items, contributing to the festive atmosphere and the local economy. Meanwhile, in Venezuela, the elections were taking place in a context marked by political polarization. Nicolás Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, is seeking reelection against opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, backed by the Unitary Democratic Platform coalition and the prominent figure of María Corina Machado. The results of this election are highly anticipated both inside and outside the country. The Venezuelan Defense Minister recently declared that the country is preparing for "a new stage" after the elections. However, the Venezuelan community abroad, especially in New York, remains skeptical about the electoral process and the legitimacy of the results. Distrust towards Maduro’s government continues to be a prevailing sentiment among opponents. Sunday's gathering is a testament to the unbreakable desire of Venezuelans for change in their country, a manifestation of strength and unity that transcends borders. As night fell in Queens, echoes of hope and resistance resonated, reminding all present that, although far from their homeland, their struggle for democracy and freedom continues.