Venezuelan nativity scene includes Hugo Chavez
Part of the Christmas crib by architect Fernando Martinez in Tegucigalpa, on Nov. 26, 2011.
Nativity scenes traditionally feature Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.
But this year, Latin America is taking plenty of liberties in interpreting the holiday tradition.
First, a nativity scene in Honduras included scenes of gang violence, a police purge and the deaths of Osama bin Laden and Muammar Gaddafi.
The designer, former Honduran Foreign Minister Fernando Martinez, said he was trying to show a world of violence. Honduras has the world's highest murder rate, according to the United Nations.
Now a nativity scene in Venezuela includes the figure of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, reports NPR.
Jesus is there, too, in a manger. But Chavez stands nearby, suggesting he should quality as a wise man.
The scene also includes a cable car to symbolize infrastructure improvements.
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.