We also have Carnaval here in Venezuela Every city usually organizes its own parades. It's not as famous, and the floats sometimes are cheaply made, but we enjoy it anyways. The best part: No school!

@Ryccia: I wouldn't call the guy a dictator... yet.

@Kris: The most I've seen was former President Chávez as he was making a speech. The thing is... I was too young at the time, so I don't remember it. My mom, on the other hand, was (and still is) a journalist, and she actually interviewed the guy during his successful presidential campaign in 1998. She also met the now President of the National Assembly, Henry Ramos Allup, when he was a mere Congressman in the early 2000's (the legislature was called Congress back then), and some other former presidents. She now works at public administration, so she doesn't make interviews anymore.