Celebration for Chávez's comeback at Caracas Bolívar Square

President Hugo Chávez's return to Venezuela after more than two months in Cuba has been taken by many of his followers as evidence of his recovery from the toughest stage of his illness; hence, the festive mood near Bolívar Square, the meeting point of most of them.

Before 7 a.m. in the morning, people started to rally on the "hot corner," downtown Caracas. By 11 a.m. approximately 300 people were present, all of them singing mottos in favor of the president and thanking Cuba for having taken care of him.

Many people would go to Bolívar Square by midday wearing t-shirts which read "I am Chávez." However, they were not spontaneous attendees, but public servants emboldened to appear in the scene.

About four blocks from Bolívar Square, loud speakers were placed to play songs extolling the president.

At several Bolívar Squares across the nation rallies were being held to welcome Chávez. The events were convened by Minister of Communication and Information Ernesto Villegas.