Venezuelans find respite amid tension in Caracas

World Today

Venezuelans find respite amid tension in Caracas

Venezuela’s capital is experiencing very tough times because of the world’s steepest recession and soaring crime.

But as CCTV America’s Stephen Gibbs reports, despite that, the city still has its charms, especially for a few hours every weekend.

 

It is a city that officially ranks as one of the most unlivable capitals in the world. Political division, rampant inflation, and endemic armed robbery, means tempers often fray.

But that makes Sundays there especially different. Roads are closed across the city every Sunday morning. Normally dangerous streets become a place for exercise. Those seeking an adrenaline rush are doing so voluntarily.

The main motorway above the city was first closed to traffic on Sundays back in the 1980s.

This wide-open space has since become, for a few hours, whatever anyone wants it to be-including one of the world’s great skateboard tracks.

Something Caracas always has going for it is near perfect spring-like weather, year round.

In one sign of just how popular this few hours of respite is, people do seem to want to stay outdoors, whatever the weather.

Caracas is most certainly experiencing acutely difficult times. But every Sunday morning you get a glimpse of what this city could be.