Colombia, a country known for its cultural diversity and contagious joy, celebrates the Christmas and New Year festivities in a very special way. These celebrations are characterized by their color, unique traditions, and a deep sense of community. From the lighting of the lights to family dinners, Christmas festivities in Colombia are an unforgettable experience.
Turning on the Lights
The beginning of the Christmas festivities in Colombia is marked by the lighting of the lights, known as the "Alumbrado Navideño". Cities and towns across the country are illuminated with stunning luminous decorations that create a festive and charming atmosphere. Medellín, in particular, is famous for its Christmas Lighting, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Lights adorn the streets, parks and buildings, and light and sound shows are organized that leave everyone amazed.
The Medellín Christmas Lighting is one of the most impressive in Latin America. Each year, the city presents a different theme for its decoration, including giant light figures, rivers of lights in the parks and a display in the Medellín River. Families and friends gather to stroll and enjoy the lights, creating unforgettable memories.
Day of the Candles
On December 7, Colombia celebrates Day of the Candles, one of the country's most beloved traditions. This holiday marks the official start of the Christmas season and is celebrated in honor of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. During this night, families light candles and lanterns in front of their homes, creating a beautiful light show.
The streets, squares and homes are filled with small lights, and the community gathers to share special moments. In many cities, such as Bogotá, Cali and Cartagena, cultural events and activities are organized to celebrate this magical night. It is an opportunity for families and friends to come together, sing Christmas carols and enjoy each other's company.
Ninth of Strenna
The Strenna Novena is a religious tradition that is celebrated from December 16 to 24. During these nine days, families and communities gather to pray, sing Christmas carols and share typical foods. The novena includes the reading of biblical passages and the recitation of prayers in honor of the birth of Jesus.
One of the most outstanding characteristics of the Novena of Strenna is the music. Colombian Christmas carols, such as "Tutaina" and "Los Pescas en el Río", are sung with enthusiasm by everyone present. In addition, traditional instruments such as the drum, guitar and maraca are played, creating a festive and happy atmosphere.
Christmas Eve and Christmas
Christmas Eve, celebrated on December 24, is one of the most important nights of the year in Colombia. Families gather to share a special dinner, which includes traditional dishes such as ajiaco, natilla, buñuelos and tamal. Christmas Eve dinner is a feast full of flavors and colors, and is an opportunity for families to come together and celebrate together.
In many regions of Colombia, such as Antioquia and Boyacá, it is common for families to stay up until midnight to wait for the arrival of Christmas. At 12 midnight, hugs and good wishes are exchanged, and the gifts that have been left by the Child Jesus, who is in charge of bringing the gifts in Colombia, instead of Santa Claus, are opened.
Christmas, celebrated on December 25, is a day to rest and enjoy with the family. Many people attend Christmas mass and then spend the day at home, enjoying the company of their loved ones. It is a day of peace and reflection, and an opportunity to give thanks for the blessings received during the year.
The Days between Christmas and New Year
The days between Christmas and New Year in Colombia are a continuation of the celebration. Families continue to gather, enjoy special meals and participate in recreational activities. Cities and towns organize cultural events, concerts and fairs to entertain residents and visitors.
In many regions, such as the Colombian Caribbean, it is common for people to gather on the beaches to enjoy the sun and the sea. The beaches are filled with families and friends celebrating together, creating a festive and relaxed atmosphere. In addition, parades and troupes are organized that fill the streets with music and dance.
New Year
The celebration of the New Year in Colombia is an occasion full of joy and hope. Families and friends gather to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one. On the night of December 31, special dinners and parties are organized throughout the country.
One of the most emblematic New Year traditions in Colombia is the "Old Year." It consists of the creation of rag dolls that represent the year that is passing. These dolls are burned at midnight, symbolizing goodbye to the old and the beginning of a new cycle. The burning of the Old Year is an exciting spectacle full of symbolism.
Another popular tradition is to eat 12 grapes at midnight, one for each strike of the clock. Each grape represents a wish for the new year. Additionally, many people wear yellow underwear, which is believed to bring good luck, and run with a suitcase around the block, to attract travel in the new year.
Larger cities, such as Bogotá, Medellín and Cali, organize massive events with fireworks and concerts. The squares and parks are filled with people celebrating together, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and joy.
Christmas and New Year's Eve Gastronomy
Gastronomy plays a fundamental role in Christmas and New Year's festivities in Colombia. Traditional dishes are an essential part of the celebrations, and each region has its own specialties.
Custard and Fritters: Custard is a dessert based on milk, sugar and cornstarch, flavored with cinnamon and cloves. Buñuelos are fried dough balls made of cheese and corn flour. These two delicacies are essential on Colombian tables during Christmas.
Ajiaco: It is a typical soup from the region of Cundinamarca and Boyacá, made with three types of potatoes, chicken, cob, guasca and capers. Served with heavy cream and capers, it is a comforting dish perfect for the holiday season.
Tamal: Each region has its own version of tamale. The Tolimense tamale, for example, is famous for its flavor and consistency. It is made of corn dough filled with meat, chicken, pork, eggs and vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
Lechona: It is a typical dish from Tolima, which consists of a whole pig stuffed with rice, peas, pork and spices, slowly cooked in a clay oven. It is a festive dish that is served on special occasions.
Manjar Blanco: It is a typical dulce de leche from the Valle del Cauca region, similar to the Argentine dulce de leche but with a thicker consistency and a more intense flavor.
Music and dance
Music and dance are an integral part of Christmas and New Year's festivities in Colombia. Christmas carols are traditional Christmas songs that are sung in families and in novenas. Some of the most popular Christmas carols in Colombia include "Tutaina", "The Fishes in the River" and "Bell Over Bell".
Cumbia, porro and vallenato are musical genres that are also heard during this time of year. Parties and celebrations are full of music and dance, and it is common to see people enjoying these traditional rhythms.
In regions such as the Caribbean and Pacific Coast, comparsas and parades are an important part of the celebrations. The comparsas are groups of people who parade through the streets, dancing and playing traditional music. These activities fill the streets with color and joy, and are a sample of Colombia's rich cultural heritage.
Solidarity and Community Help
The Christmas and New Year festivities in Colombia are also a time for solidarity and community help. Many organizations and communities come together to bring joy to those less fortunate. Campaigns are organized to collect toys, clothing and food to donate to families in need.
Parishes and community groups often organize dinners and activities for the homeless, the elderly and vulnerable children. These actions reflect the spirit of generosity and love of neighbor that characterizes Christmas in Colombia.
Christmas and New Year in Colombia are an opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed, give thanks for the blessings received and look to the future with hope and optimism. It is a time to celebrate life and community, and to renew the commitment to helping others and building a better future for all.