Photo Gallery Mourning Chavez
Hundreds of thousands of supporters of deceased Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez followed his coffing through the streets of Caracas on Wednesday.
The revered Venezuelan leader died on Tuesday night after years of battling cancer and is to be buried on Friday.
Chávez' flag-bedecked coffin was carried on Wednesday from the hospital where he died on Tuesday to a military academy where he will lie in state until his state funeral on Friday.
For many in Venezuela, Chávez' passing is cause for deep mourning. His deputy, Vice President Nicolás Maduro, proclaimed seven days of mourning after the leader passed away.
Even as Chávez inspired hero worship among his followers, his detractors despised him. he leaves behind a deeply divided country.
Even as mourning continues throughout the week, preparations are being made for new elections within 30 days. Opposition leader Henrique Capriles, who lost to Chavez last year, has said he will make another run.
"Long live Chavez!" Supporters of the departed president gathered in cities across Venezuela and elsewhere in South America.
Many of those at Wednesday's procession were in tears and sought to reach out to touch Chávez' coffin as it passed.
During the procession, loudspeakers played some of the charismatic leader's speeches. It remains unclear exactly where he will be buried.
Vice President Nicolás Maduro (l.) and President of Parliament Diosdado Cabello standing next to Chávez' coffin. Maduro will likely be the lead Socialist candidate in the coming vote.
