From January 9-11, 2025, the World International Anti-Fascist Festival: For a New World was held in Caracas, Venezuela. This pivotal event brought together over 2,000 delegates from more than 125 countries, uniting voices against the global resurgence of fascism.
The festival coincided with a significant moment in Venezuela’s history—January 10, when President Nicolás Maduro Moros was sworn in for his third term. This act symbolized not just political continuity but the enduring spirit of the Bolivarian Revolution, a movement rooted in the ideals of liberation and anti-imperialism.
The Rise of a New Fascist Threat
In her opening address, Vice-President Dr. Delcy Rodríguez Gómez underscored the urgency of the gathering. She warned of the resurgence of a fascist international, fueled by far-right movements gaining traction across Western democracies. These movements, driven by capitalist greed and neocolonialist ambitions, have already left their mark through violence and destabilization.
Rodríguez pointed to ongoing conflicts in Palestine and Ukraine, as well as efforts to undermine sovereignty in nations like Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. She emphasized that fascism today is not confined to jackboots and propaganda posters; it thrives in the digital age, leveraging social media to spread misinformation and foment division.
Learning from History: The Bolivarian Example
One of the festival’s key messages was the importance of learning from the Bolivarian Revolution—a movement often vilified in Western media. Rooted in the ideals of Simón Bolívar, the liberator of South America, this revolution represents a fight against colonial exploitation and for the unity of oppressed peoples.
President Maduro reminded delegates of Venezuela’s historical role as “the cradle of freedom for South America.” He recounted the story of the Pendón de Pizarro, a symbol of Spanish conquest seized by indigenous resistance fighters and sent to Bolívar. This relic, now displayed in Caracas, serves as a powerful reminder of the region’s long history of defiance.
Building a United Front
The festival offered seminars and workshops on topics such as women’s roles in anti-fascist struggles, indigenous resistance to colonialism, and the role of intellectuals and artists in defending humanity. These discussions emphasized the need for a united front, echoing the lessons of history: divisions among oppressed groups often allowed colonial powers to prevail.
Maduro stressed the importance of avoiding petty divisions within progressive movements, warning that modern imperialists exploit these fractures just as colonialists did centuries ago. Unity, he argued, is the most potent weapon against fascism and neocolonialism.
Looking Forward: A Roadmap for Resistance
The festival concluded with President Maduro’s call to arms, outlining a bold agenda for the global anti-fascist movement:
- Establishing a Think Tank: A dedicated center for developing anti-fascist theory and strategy.
- Youth Training Camps: A program launching in March 2025 to educate and mobilize young activists.
- Focused Conferences: Events highlighting the struggles of women, indigenous peoples, and other marginalized groups.
- Legal Defense Initiatives: The formation of an international body of anti-fascist jurists to combat the misuse of lawfare.
- Global Events: A major international gathering in Caracas planned for August 2025.
These measures aim to consolidate the gains of the festival and build a sustainable network of resistance.
Remembering the Legacy of Anti-Fascism
Maduro’s closing speech also paid tribute to the 80th anniversary of the victory against fascism in 1945. He highlighted the pivotal roles of the Soviet Red Army and Chinese resistance in defeating Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, challenging the Eurocentric narratives often found in Western history books.
He also honored the indigenous resistance movements of South America, such as the Ayacucho warriors, whose bravery has been largely overshadowed by colonial accounts. Maduro’s message was clear: the fight against fascism is not just a contemporary struggle but part of a broader historical continuum.
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Unity in Diversity: A Global Call
The festival ended with a powerful reminder from Maduro: “We must unite all forces that can be united.” He cited recent examples of reconciliation between Chavistas and opposition supporters in Caracas, emphasizing the need for peace and solidarity.
In a world increasingly divided by fascist ideologies, the Caracas festival stands as a testament to the power of unity, history, and resistance. As Maduro concluded, “Peace, peace, peace … That is what we want for Venezuela and the world.”