AKIPRESS.COM - Followers of the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez will flood the nation's streets on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of his death despite a month of violent protests, The Star reported referring to Reuters.

A year after Chavez succumbed to cancer, President Nicolas Maduro faces a determined challenge to his rule from an explosion of anti-government demonstrations that have led to clashes with security forces and 18 deaths.

Wednesday's military parade and other events to honor 'El Comandante' are a chance for Maduro to reclaim the streets and show opponents that he can mobilize.

Tens of thousands of 'Chavistas' are expected at rallies in Caracas and elsewhere in honor of the socialist whose 14-year rule won him the adoration of many of Venezuela's poorest, while alienating the middle and upper classes.

“Chavez passed into history as the man who revived Bolivar,” said President Maduro, who often hails Chavez as South America's second “liberator” after independence hero Simon Bolivar.

Some opposition leaders called for a day without protests on Wednesday to show respect for Chavez's memory. But students said they would not stop, and firebrand legislator Maria Corina Machado announced a march in the western city of San Cristobal, which has seen the worst of the unrest.