Large crowds of Venezuelans living abroad poured onto the streets of major cities around the world on Saturday to celebrate the removal of President Nicolás Maduro, following a U.S. military operation that ended his rule.
The gatherings drew members of the vast Venezuelan diaspora, estimated at nearly eight million people who left their country over years of economic hardship, political repression and social instability under Maduro’s leadership.
In Santiago, Chile, thousands assembled in central areas of the capital, waving Venezuelan flags and dressed in the nation’s colours of yellow, blue and red.
The atmosphere was jubilant as chants, music and emotional embraces filled the streets.
“For the first time, we can truly think about going back home,” said street vendor Yurimar Rojas, struggling to be heard above the cheering crowd. “At last, Venezuela will be free.”
Maduro, whose re-election claims in 2018 and 2024 were rejected by many international observers as illegitimate, was detained during an early-morning U.S. military operation and is expected to be transferred to New York to face drug trafficking charges.
For many Venezuelans in exile, the news marked a turning point after years of uncertainty.
“This means everything to us,” said Yasmery Gallardo, 61, who has lived in Chile for eight years. “I’m already planning my return. I never thought I would see this day.”
The celebrations in Chile also reflected deeper anxieties within the migrant community.
Many Venezuelans there have faced uncertainty amid political rhetoric from Chile’s president-elect, José Antonio Kast, who has pledged to deport undocumented migrants, including large numbers of Venezuelans.
In the United States, thousands gathered in Miami, singing, chanting and kissing the Venezuelan flag.
Some openly praised President Donald Trump for the operation.
“Today, the dreams of Venezuelans abroad finally came true,” said Ana Gonzalez, one of the celebrants.
Others described the moment as deeply personal. “I have waited 27 years for this,” said Anabela Ramos. “Now it has finally happened.”
Similar scenes unfolded in Europe. In Madrid, home to roughly 400,000 Venezuelans, large crowds filled public squares, chanting “He is gone” and “The dictatorship has fallen,” as many wrapped themselves in the national flag.
“I came here to celebrate our freedom,” said Pedro Marcano, 47, who left Venezuela 11 years ago. “I want to go home, but first we need to see how things unfold.”
Despite the celebrations, uncertainty still surrounds Venezuela’s immediate future. President Trump said on Saturday that the United States would oversee the country’s affairs temporarily until a new leadership structure is established.
According to Trump, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has indicated a willingness to engage with Washington, while opposition leader María Corina Machado lacks sufficient internal support to assume power.
Rodríguez, however, later declared in a public address that Maduro remained Venezuela’s “only president” and insisted the government was prepared to defend the country.
At the Madrid rally, a recorded message from Machado was played to the crowd, drawing a moment of silence.
“Venezuela will be free,” she said, prompting emotional reactions among attendees, some of whom wiped away tears as they embraced.