26 Mar 2018 | 02:57 PM UTC
Venezuela: Easter Holy Week March 25 to April 1
Christian Holy Week March 25-April 1; expect tightened security measures and transportation disruptions
Event
Easter Holy Week this year is taking place from Sunday, March 25 (Palm Sunday), through Sunday, April 1 (Easter Sunday). Holy Week is a major travel period in the region, when individuals visit family, go on vacation, or go on pilgrimage to religious sites. As such, increased congestion at travel hubs, demand for hotels (and higher prices), and car traffic in cities and on highways is to be anticipated, along with possible business, store, and government office closures.
Venezuelan authorities have stated that 195,000 civil servants from the various state security forces and the National Bolivarian Armed Forces will be deployed to maintain order throughout the week. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, Justice, and Peace stated that more than 1000 road control points have been established and 320 ambulances deployed to ensure safety on the roads. More than 11 million Venezuelans are expected to travel during the week.
Advice
Individuals in Venezuela are advised to exercise increased vigilance in the coming days and to be prepared for congestion on roads and at travel hubs.
