The 2023-2024 National Culture Prize ceremony was presided over by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who highlighted the nation's vibrant and diverse artistic heritage.

Throughout the day, exceptional artists and creators were honored in various categories, such as Popular Culture, Literature, Humanities, Music, and Circus Arts, among others.

President Maduro highlighted in his speech that the event marks his first commitment for the 2025-2031 presidential term, underscoring the significance of culture as a "powerful cultural movement."

The ceremony included the presentation of awards in categories like Crafts, Dance, Theatre, Fine Arts, Photography, and Film, with several posthumous honors also being awarded.

The president also urged for a greater appreciation of artistic expressions born from social resistance. “Although many societies have created cultures that reflect power, it is essential to recognize the artistic manifestations that arise from resistance, such as theatre and music,” he said.

President Maduro emphasized the distinctiveness of Venezuelan culture, calling it "unique and extraordinary," and urged for a cultural revolution across Venezuela, Latin America, and the Caribbean. “We need a powerful cultural revolution that demands the best of human values and opposes the anti-values of fascism,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with the recognition of the "Artistic Glories of Venezuela," underscoring the government's dedication to promoting and preserving the nation's culture in all its forms.

A few days ago, Maduro was sworn in for his third term on January 10 after being re-elected as the country's leader. The ceremony took place amid large gatherings of supporters across Venezuela, who rallied in what was called the Grand March for Peace and Joy to reaffirm their backing for the president.

In a public speech, Maduro emphasized his legitimacy, stating, "I was not inaugurated by the United States or any Latin American country, but by the will of the people." He reiterated his independence from foreign influences, declaring, "I am not an absolute ruler nor a servant of oligarchs or imperialists."

Maduro also addressed allegations of external conspiracies, claiming, "The country has defended itself against an American plot aimed at undermining Venezuela, and we emerged victorious in this confrontation."

He added, "Imperialism and oligarchy are in a state of disarray. We were not born to be traitors or weaklings."