As the sun sets in Cartagena on a December evening, the streets light up. They are filled with twinkling lights and the sound of music. This is what Christmas in Colombia is all about. It’s a time to celebrate the country’s culture, bringing families and friends together1.
In Medellín, the Alumbrados Navideños light up the city. It’s a magical sight that fills plazas, parks, and streets with light1. In Villa de Leyva, the streets are filled with handmade lanterns. They light up the town for the Día de las Velitas celebration, honoring the Virgin Mary1.
Exploring Colombia, you’ll feel the warmth of its people. Families come together on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve). They share meals like Natilla Colombiana, Buñuelos, and Lechona Tolimense. They sing carols and exchange gifts1.
Key Takeaways
- Colombia’s Christmas is a mix of culture and fun.
- The holiday season is filled with sights and sounds, from candle lightings to light displays.
- Families enjoy traditional foods and music on Noche Buena, celebrating the season.
- New Year’s Eve in Colombia has special customs, like eating 12 grapes and wearing yellow underwear for luck.
- Visiting Colombia during Christmas offers a unique cultural experience for everyone.
The Day of the Little Candles (Día de las Velitas)
The Christmas season in Colombia starts on December 7th, known as the “Día de las Velitas” or the Day of the Little Candles234. On this night, people light candles and lanterns. They decorate their homes, streets, and public spaces with festive displays. This is a tribute to the Virgin Mary and the Immaculate Conception2.
Lighting Candles and Decorating for Christmas
Lighting candles on the Day of the Little Candles honors the Virgin Mary and the Immaculate Conception2. Millions of households across the country light candles in their windowsills, balconies, and parks. This creates a warm and magical ambiance34. The Candles and Lanterns Festival in Quindío Department has a friendly competition for the most impressive lighting displays2.
Fireworks and Music Celebrations
The Day of the Little Candles is also celebrated with fireworks, music, and traditional Colombian foods like buñuelos and empanadas2. In the Caribbean region, the celebration starts before sunrise on December 8th. It emphasizes family gatherings, traditional cuisine, and a night of festivities2. Cities like Bogotá and Medellín have elaborate Christmas decorations and host family-friendly activities. They also have live nativity scenes and caroling events23.
“The Day of the Little Candles is a cherished tradition that brings families and communities together to celebrate the start of the Christmas season in Colombia.”
Colombian Christmas Lights (Alumbrados Navideños)
The Christmas season in Colombia is magical, thanks to the Christmas lights displays, or “Alumbrados Navideños.” Cities and towns turn into winter wonderlands with creative lights. These lights amaze both visitors and locals5.
Spectacular Light Displays in Cities and Towns
Medellín is famous for its Christmas light displays. In 2008, it used 14.5 million lights, costing 6,200 million pesos (about $2.6 million)5. By 2013, they planned to use over 27 million lights and 472 miles of rope lights in 90 spots5.
In 2014, Medellín lit up with over 30 million LED lights, 800 kilometers of rope lights, and more. The total cost was about $9 million (21 billion pesos)5.
Riding Chivas to See the Lights
The best way to see the Christmas light displays is on a “chiva,” a colorful bus. It lets you tour the lit streets and enjoy the festive views5. These rides are a unique way to experience the holiday spirit5.
In 2013, Medellín’s Alumbrado drew about 4 million visitors, with 60,000 daily5. The city’s lights were named one of the top ten by National Geographic in 20125.
The Christmas lights in Colombia are a big part of the holiday. Cities compete with their displays. These lights bring joy and help the economy by attracting tourists6.
Novena de Aguinaldos (Christmas Novena)
In Colombia, families eagerly await the Christmas season. They join in the “Novena de Aguinaldos”7. This nine-day celebration honors Jesus’ birth8.
Nine Days of Prayer and Caroling
The Novena de Aguinaldos starts on December 16th and ends on Christmas Eve8. People come together to pray, sing, and enjoy treats7. This tradition dates back to the 1700s8.
Gathering with Family and Friends
The Novena de Aguinaldos is more than prayer; it’s a time to connect7. Families and friends gather for nine nights8. They share meals and celebrate together8.
This tradition is key in Colombia, also celebrated in Ecuador and Venezuela7. It’s a way for immigrants to keep their culture alive7. Yet, it faces challenges in keeping its traditions alive8.
Despite these challenges, the Novena de Aguinaldos is deeply valued7. It strengthens the bond between people and their heritage7.
Christmas Trees and Nativity Scenes
In Colombia, Christmas is celebrated with vibrant traditions. Christmas trees and nativity scenes are at the heart of these celebrations. They symbolize the joy of the holiday season9.
Nativity scenes, or “pesbre,” are a big part of Colombian Christmas. These scenes can have real water and plants. They bring the story of Jesus’ birth to life9.
- In Venecia, Antioquia, the largest nativity scene in Latin America was set up last year. It had 2,100 figures and 240 wooden buildings10.
- Children in Colombia write wish lists for baby Jesus (niño díos). They leave them at the nativity scene, believing Jesus will bring their gifts9.
Christmas trees are also a big part of Colombian holiday decor. They are decorated with lights, ornaments, and more. This creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere in homes and public areas9.
The beauty of Christmas traditions in Colombia goes beyond decorations. They reflect the country’s cultural and religious beliefs. These traditions make Colombian Christmas special9.
christmas in colombia
Christmas in Colombia is filled with joy, traditions, and family time. People come together to celebrate the holiday’s religious and cultural importance. They enjoy festive foods, music, and activities that make the season special11.
The Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles) is celebrated on December 7th. It leads up to the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th. In different areas, the timing of this event changes. The Caribbean Coast lights candles at 3-4 am, while Bogotá and Medellín start at 7 pm11.
The Novena de Aguinaldos is a nine-day religious ceremony. It happens from December 16 to 24. People pray, sing, and enjoy traditional dishes like buñuelos, natilla, and Colombian eggnog12.
Christmas in Colombia is celebrated with the dawn. It’s the biggest fireworks event in the country. It lasts from midnight until sunset on January 1st12.
The Alumbrados Navideños (Christmas Lights) in cities like Medellín attract many visitors. Medellín is known for its beautiful Christmas lights, recognized by National Geographic13.
Colombia’s Christmas traditions also show Basque heritage. This is seen in Antioquia and its surrounding areas12.
Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) is celebrated at midnight on December 24th. Children get presents from el niño Dios (God Child). Families have dinner at 11 pm or midnight11.
Colombians have unique New Year’s Eve traditions. They wear yellow underwear for joy and prosperity. They also fill pockets with lentils for abundance and run around with a suitcase for travel13.
Colombia’s Christmas is full of candle lighting, decorated trees, and nativity scenes. It’s a special and vibrant time of the year11.
| Tradition | Description |
|---|---|
| Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles) | Celebrated on December 7th, leading up to the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th, with variations in timing across different regions. On the Caribbean Coast, people wake up at or stay up until 3-4 am to light candles, while in Bogotá and Medellín, people begin lighting candles from 7 pm onwards11. |
| Novena de Aguinaldos (Christmas Novena) | A nine-day religious ceremony held from December 16 to 24, featuring prayers, songs, and traditional Colombian Christmas dishes like buñuelos, natilla, and Colombian-style spiked eggnog12. |
| Alumbrados Navideños (Christmas Lights) | Stunning light displays in cities like Medellín that have become a major tourist attraction, with thousands of visitors flocking to witness the displays. Medellín has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 most beautiful cities to view Christmas lights13. |
| Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) | Celebrated on December 24th at midnight, with children receiving presents from el niño Dios (God Child), and families having their Christmas dinner around 11 pm or midnight11. |
| New Year’s Eve Traditions | Unique traditions such as wearing yellow underwear for joy and prosperity, filling pockets with lentils for abundance, and running around the neighborhood with a suitcase for a year of travels13. |
Traditional Christmas Foods
No Colombian Christmas is complete without the traditional foods that make the holiday special14. Favorites like buñuelos (fried cheese fritters), natilla (a creamy dessert), and hojuelas (fried pastry) are loved by all. They’re often enjoyed during the Novena de Aguinaldos or on Christmas Eve14.
Other dishes like lechona (pork stuffed with rice and peas), ham, and turkey are the stars of the Noche Buena feast14.
Buñuelos, Natilla, and Hojuelas
Buñuelos, a festive treat, come in various sizes15. These fried cheese fritters pair well with natilla, a creamy dessert enjoyed at the novenas in Colombia15. Hojuelas, a fried pastry, is another favorite snack during Christmas14.
Lechona, Ham, and Turkey
Lechona, a pork dish filled with rice and veggies, is a hit at Christmas15. Ham and turkey also take center stage at the Noche Buena feast14.
| Traditional Colombian Christmas Dishes | Description |
|---|---|
| Buñuelos | Fried cheese fritters, available in small, medium, and large sizes15 |
| Natilla | A custard-like dessert, typically eaten during the novenas15 |
| Hojuelas | A fried pastry, another beloved Christmas snack14 |
| Lechona | A pork dish stuffed with rice and vegetables, a popular Christmas dish15 |
| Ham | Commonly served as the main course during Noche Buena14 |
| Turkey | Also commonly served as the main course during Noche Buena14 |
“Christmas in Colombia is all about the food – it’s a time to come together with family and friends and share in the abundance of traditional dishes that make the season so special.”
Noche Buena (Christmas Eve)
In Colombia, Christmas Eve is called “Noche Buena” and is the highlight of the holiday season16. Families and friends come together for a big feast. They enjoy traditional dishes, music, dancing, and other fun activities17.
Preparing these dishes is a way for families to celebrate together17.
Family Gatherings and Celebrations
After dinner, many Colombians go to a midnight mass or “Misa de Gallo” to start Christmas Day16. The nine days before Noche Buena are filled with prayers, games, and singing villancicos, traditional Christmas carols17.
Traditional instruments like maracas add to the festive mood17.
Gifts from the Baby Jesus
Children in Colombia get gifts from the Baby Jesus, not Santa Claus, on Christmas Eve16. They find these gifts under the tree or in the nativity scene. Popular treats include buñuelos, tamales, lechona, and natilla, each with its own cultural significance17.
“The Christmas Eve celebrations in Colombia are a time-honored tradition that bring families and communities together, filled with the warmth of shared meals, music, and the joy of receiving gifts from the Baby Jesus.”
| Key Christmas Celebrations in Colombia | Date |
|---|---|
| Noche de las velitas (Night of the Little Candles) | December 716 |
| Novenas | December 16 – 2416 |
| Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) | December 2416 |
| Día de los Santos Inocentes (Innocent Saints’ Day) | December 2816 |
| Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) | December 3116 |
The Christmas Eve celebrations in Colombia are a cherished tradition. They bring families and communities together with shared meals, music, and the joy of gifts from the Baby Jesus1617.
New Year’s Traditions
When midnight hits on New Year’s Eve in Colombia, the celebration begins. A big tradition is eating 12 grapes, each one for a wish for the year ahead18. People believe it brings luck and prosperity for 12 months.
Wearing yellow underwear is also a big superstition on New Year’s Eve19. It’s thought to bring financial luck. Some wear red for love. Running around the house with an empty suitcase is for those who want to travel19.
Colombians also eat lentils and hold cash, and clean their homes before the new year1819. These traditions help welcome the new year with positivity and luck. They are key to celebrating the start of a new year in Colombia.
FAQ
What is the significance of the Day of the Little Candles (Día de las Velitas) in Colombia?
What are the “Alumbrados Navideños” or Christmas lights in Colombia?
What is the Novena de Aguinaldos in Colombia?
What are the traditional Christmas decorations in Colombia?
What are some of the traditional Christmas foods in Colombia?
How is Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) celebrated in Colombia?
What are some unique New Year’s traditions in Colombia?
Source Links
- Colombian Christmas and New Year’s Traditions – https://www.mycolombianrecipes.com/colombian-christmas-and-new-years-traditions/
- Day of the Little Candles – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Little_Candles
- Spectacular Little Candles Day in Colombia – https://www.spanish.academy/blog/day-of-the-little-candles-in-colombia/
- How host families are celebrating Día de las Velitas – https://www.culturalcare.com/blog/celebrating-day-of-little-candles/
- Christmas lights in Medellín – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_lights_in_Medellín
- Alumbrados 2021: A Guide to the 2021 Medellín Christmas Lights | Medellin Guru – https://medellinguru.com/christmas-lights/
- Holidays are about tradition. What happens when everything starts to change? – https://www.npr.org/2022/12/25/1145432130/christmas-novena-aguinaldos-holiday-tradition
- Novena of aguinaldos – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novena_of_aguinaldos
- Fun Colombian Christmas Traditions – http://impulsetravel.co/en/blog/7/the-most-popular-colombian-christmas-traditions
- Don’t Miss These Curious and Fun Colombian Christmas Traditions – Local tours medellin – https://localtoursmedellin.com/dont-miss-these-curious-and-fun-colombian-christmas-traditions/
- Christmas in Colombia – What You Need To Know | – https://uncovercolombia.com/blog/christmas-traditions-colombia/
- Christmas in Colombia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_in_Colombia
- Christmas in Colombia: December is the craziest month! | Arts and Culture Terra Colombia, your local travel agency – https://www.colombia-travels.com/blog/art-culture/christmas-in-colombia-terra-colombia
- Popular Colombian Christmas Food – Chef’s Pencil – https://www.chefspencil.com/popular-colombian-christmas-food/
- Traditional Colombian Christmas Foods – https://uncovercolombia.com/blog/traditional-colombian-christmas-foods-3/
- Colombian Christmas 101: Everything you need to know – https://thebogotapost.com/colombian-christmas-101-everything-you-need-to-know/42634/
- Christmas in Colombia: Traditions that date back centuries | The City Paper Bogotá – https://thecitypaperbogota.com/colombia/christmas-in-colombia-traditions-that-date-back-centuries/
- Colombian New Year’s Traditions – http://impulsetravel.co/en/blog/8/colombian-new-years-eve-traditions
- Colombian New Year’s Traditions You Can’t Miss – https://uncovercolombia.com/blog/colombia-new-year-traditions/