Thousands of Venezuelans gather in Herriman City in honor of presidential election

HERRIMAN CITY, Utah — Around 10,000 Utah Venezuelans gathered together in Herriman City Sunday to commemorate the election in their home country. 

Prior to the election’s results, they encouraged their family back home to participate in the presidential election.

LISTEN: Expert breaks down what’s happening in Venezuela

“It’s a celebration…Music, dancing, flags, face paint, posters. There are families and many children all dressed up. Everyone is so happy,” Kristin Sokol, a Herriman City resident at the event said. 

The crowd’s pride for their country was evident as they chanted and waved their flags and posters in the air. 

The organizers had a city permit to gather, but no one seemed to expect the size of the crowd. 

Venezuelans in Utah gather to celebrate the election in their home country on July 28, 2024 (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)

They were there to support the hope of a new Venezuela, by getting the current president, Nicolás Maduro, out of office. 

Reaction to Nicolas Maduro’s reelection

However, Monday morning brought a very different tone for many Venezuelans.

After votes were counted, Maduro still came out on top, an announcement that was met with much skepticism from the opposition and from several global leaders, including President Joe Biden. 

Today, I spoke with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues, including the emerging political situation in Venezuela following their presidential election.

We agree on the need for an immediate release of full,…

— President Biden (@POTUS) July 30, 2024