Christmas in Colombia is a splendid affair, full of color, light, music, and of course, fantastic food. Holidays start rather early and people and houses and streets are filled with joy and enthusiasm. From the crowded city of Bogotá to the beautiful city of Cartagena and from there to the other cities and towns, Colombia celebrates Christmas in style. The people are friendly and people of Colombia celebrate this festive season in a very local and traditional manner.
Should you find yourself in Colombia during the holiday season, there is no better time to learn about the country’s Christmas traditions. Whether it be the Noche de las Velitas or the Novena de Aguinaldos, every part of Colombia is unique. With the holiday spirit in full swing, celebrate Christmas in Colombia with unmissable festivals and vibrant celebrations. No matter your background, Colombia’s traditions promise to make your Christmas unforgettable. If you are planning to visit Colombia, ensure you get your Colombia Visa early enough to celebrate this festivity season.
La Noche de las Velitas (Night of the Little Candles)
Perhaps the most popular festivity in Colombia is the Night of the Little Candles that takes place on December 7th. This is the starting point of the Christmas celebrations in Colombia and the event is amazing to watch. For the Virgin Mary, citizens of the country burn small candles and lanterns at homes, streets and parks. The candles give a gentle light and warmth bringing harmony to the mood, which is perfect for the happy days that are to come.
Everyone lights their homes, the streets, buildings, and even the skies of the entire country, especially the cities, with light, music, and cheer. People sit outside, taking fresh December breeze, children play with fire crackers which adds more to the festive feeling. If you are a guest during this period, it is something that you should not afford to miss. It is an aesthetic way of being embraced by Colombian culture.
The Novena de Aguinaldos
Another loved devotion in Colombia is the Novena de Aguinaldos which takes place from December 16th to 24th. This is a religious and family occasion in which people come together each evening to pray, sing Christmas carols and eat. Such gatherings are normally characterized by laughter, tale telling and the overall holiday mood at night. It is a great chance that allows the guests to meet the warm Colombian hearts that embrace both community and faith.
Each night, a different family or group of friends hosts the celebration, serving traditional Colombian holiday foods like buñuelos (fried dough balls) and natilla (custard). Those lucky enough to join in the traditions get to fully experience the heart of a Colombian Christmas.
Salsas, Parades, and Fireworks
Columbians are very fond of festivity and events and Christmas is not an exception among them. In cities such as Barranquilla and Cali the streets are filled with parades and fireworks. Salsa lovers will enjoy the Cali Fair (Feria de Cali) when people dance along the streets for this event to the salsa music making the atmosphere lively.
It takes place between Christmas and New Year, but the festive atmosphere of singing and dancing fills the air throughout the Christmas season.
Besides, the Christmas fire-works put a lively color to the nights; and particularly to that of the Christmas Eve as this is a big family day. It is very festive especially in the Colombian cities of Medellin where Christmas lightings are a major event, making the whole period of December feel like one big carnival.
A Fabulous Christmas Dinner from Colombia
Any Colombian Christmas would not be complete without watching the traditional holiday meal. As for Colombian Christmas foods, it is different depending on the place, but one should try tamales (a corn dough with meat, covered with banana leaves), empanadas, lechona (roast pig). For the desert there is turrón, which is similar to nougat and fruta de la temporada which are fruits that are in season like guanabana and lulo. The Christmas meal is a cherished family tradition in Colombia, and as you’d expect from Colombians, they share it with incredible warmth and hospitality.
Travelling to Colombia during Christmas time
If you are planning to go Colombia during this holiday, then you will have a lot to enjoy. The atmosphere in the country is very joyful, each city and town has its own traditions of Christmas celebration. To get the best of your trip, you should ensure that you have booked your Colombia Visa to be in a position to enjoy everything from traditional festivals to holiday parades.
Of course, Christmas time is not complete without a visit to the beautifully lit streets of Medellin or sharing the Novena de Aguinaldos with a local family. It is a season of faith, music, food, and family and visitors and locals look forward to this time of the year.
Conclusion:
Christmas in Colombia also presents one of the most memorable feelings that embrace faith, family, and the spirit of celebration. Regardless if you are putting a candle on the La Noche de las Velitas, dancing during the Novena de Aguinaldos or feasting on the delightful Yuletide foods, there are definitely traditions that will make the holiday season exciting. Everything in Colombia is warm and hospitable during the festive season, so if you are thinking of where to spend Christmas, then you should consider Colombia.
As you plan your holiday getaway, don’t miss the chance to celebrate Christmas in Colombia with its vibrant traditions and must-see festivities.If you are a Christian or have children, then you will agree with me that each time spent in Colombia during Christmas is memorable – from the twinkling lights of Medellín to the salsa-filled streets of Cali. Do not leave it too late to apply for your Colombia Visa in order to take full advantage of everything that this fantastic country has to offer during the festive period.
FAQ
1. What are the key traditions of Christmas in Colombia? In Colombia, Christmas is celebrated with vibrant traditions like the “Novena de Aguinaldos” (a nightly prayer and gathering), elaborate Christmas lights displays, festive parades, and family gatherings. A highlight is the “Dia de las Velitas” (Day of Little Candles) on December 7th, marking the start of the Christmas season.
2. What is “La Novena de Aguinaldos”? La Novena de Aguinaldos is a nine-day Christmas tradition where families come together to pray, sing carols, and enjoy festive foods. It is a cherished moment for bonding and preparing for the holiday celebrations.
3. How is Christmas celebrated in Colombian cities? Cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali shine during Christmas, with Medellín known for its breathtaking Christmas light displays. In Bogotá, the Christmas season begins with the “Festival of Lights,” while Cali celebrates with lively parades and salsa music.
