CARACAS, March 18 (Reuters) – Venezuela declared a national holiday on Wednesday following its first World Baseball Classic title, capped by a 3-2 victory over the United States at Miami’s LoanDepot Park on Tuesday.
The government of acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared Wednesday a national holiday, with the exception of essential service workers.
The Ministry of Education said in a statement that it had also suspended classes in celebration of the historic win.
Venezuela’s journey to the title included a comeback victory against the defending champions, Japan, in the quarter-finals, as well as another strong performance to defeat the surprise semi-finalists, Italy, before overcoming the U.S. in front of a loud, largely Venezuelan-supporting audience in Miami.
“We made history today; we made it happen,” shopkeeper Elio Davila told Reuters amid a raucous celebration with flags, whistles, horns, and salsa music in a packed square in downtown Caracas filled with hundreds of fans.
The victory “is a source of national pride that will last forever,” art student Yolanda Pantoja added.
(Reuters TV NewsroomEditing by Christian Radnedge)
