There is a national holiday in Venezuela on Monday when the Latin American country celebrates the day president Hugo Chavez came to power or, simply, Hugo Chavez Day.

Chavez was sworn in as president of Venezuela ten years ago – on February 2, 1999. He was then reelected head of state in 2000 and 2006.

The date is being celebrated for the first time in Venezuelan history. And it came as a bit of a shock for citizens since the new holiday was announced less than 24 hours before the big day, on February 1.

Hugo Chavez is said to be celebrating the day named after himself with his close friends and allies –Bolivian President Evo Morales and his Nicaraguan counterpart, Daniel Ortega, who both share his socialist views.

It is worth mentioning that February 2 is also a holiday in the country Chavez criticizes the most – the U.S. The Americans celebrate Groundhog Day on Monday.