Venezuela: The new nationalism

December 04, 2006 | Pulitzer Center

Nov. 21, 2006-- The national colors fly atop a business in the Caracas slum of La Vega. If anything, Hugo Chavez has brought a sense of pride and hope to the country's poor.

Nov. 4, 2006-- Murals of South American liberator Simon Bolivar are ubiquitous in Venezuela. President Hugo Chavez, has renamed the country The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela with the revolutionary spirit in mind.

Nov. 7, 2006-- Revolutionary imagery of all forms dominates the public spaces of Caracas. Here, on the wall of a factory, an image Che Guevera is posted near one of Jesus Christ.

Nov. 11, 2006-- Anti-U.S. graffiti is scrawled on a wall in city of Barquisemeto, Venezuela. President Hugo Chavez, to great effect, has demonized George W. Bush and U.S. foreign policy. He blames many of his country's ills on U.S. trade policies and political interference.

Nov. 14, 2006--Anjelia Morello (left) stands with friends in Urachiche's Bolivar Square during a meeting of co-op farmers where the government announced its list of grants for subsidized farming.

Nov. 9, 2006--A man dressed as the Devil appears at a campaign rally for President Hugo Chavez on the outskirts of Caracas. Chavez often likens US President George W. Bush to the Devil and blames many of the country's ills on foreign imperialism.

Nov. 21, 2006-- Revelers in the Caracas slum of La Vega prepare for the arrival of a campaign parade with president Hugo Chavez. Many critics will agree, if nothing else, Chavez has brought a sense of pride and hope to the country's poor.

Nov. 3, 2006--Fireworks light up the Caracas sky during a baseball game between rival Venezuelan teams Leones and Magallanes.

The country's national flag, the posters of revolutionary leaders like Simon Bolivar and Che Guevara, the glee with which politicians and citizens alike poor abuse on Uncle Sam -- all proof that President Hugo Chavez has succeeded in stirring long-dormant strains of Venezuelan nationalism.