Colombians celebrate Christmas with great joy for more than a month. The Day of the Little Candles, celebrated on December 7th, is the unofficial start of Christmas. On this day, Colombians commemorate the Virgin Mary by placing paper lanterns and candles. Nativity sets, poinsettias, Christmas trees, and votive candles are traditional ornaments in Colombia, and lights, traditional flowers, and manger scenes depicting the birth of Jesus decorate the fronts of most residences. During the well-known “Noche Buena” celebration on Christmas Eve, guests partake in chocolate parties that include fritters, custard, and bonus bread. A well-known way to welcome Christmas in Colombia is with a fireworks display called “Popular Dawn” that begins at midnight and continues until sunset on January 1.
Christmas Markets
Beginning in the latter half of November, vendors set up shop at the Christmas markets in Colombia to sell anything from trees and clothing to garlands and Christmas flowers, as well as lights, fireworks, and the ever-popular custard combination, which is a typical Colombian holiday meal. The appearance of the markets unofficially marks the beginning of the holiday.
Christmas Celebrations in Colombia
Approximately 90% of Colombians identify as Christian and about 71% of them are Roman Catholic, while 17% are Protestant (mostly Evangelical) or belong to some other Christian denomination.
Las Velitas
On December 7th, Colombians celebrate El Día de Las Velitas, also known as the Day of the Little Candles, which signifies the beginning of the end-of-year celebrations. In addition to lighting lanterns and candles in front of their homes and businesses, they also line the streets with them. With each candle you light, you have the power to say a prayer or express a wish. The Colombian city council decides who has the best-decorated neighborhood and gives out prizes to the winner. Houses are expected to fly a white flag all day long on December 8th, decorated with a picture of the Virgin Mary since this celebration is a tribute to her alleged Immaculate Conception.
La Novena
Gathering nightly around the pesebre, the Christmas nativity scene, families pray, sing, dance salsa, cumbia, or merengue, and share snacks during La Novena, which is the nine days leading up to Christmas, December 16th to 24th. A chance to become closer to loved ones is presented at this celebration. Since Basque culture is quite present in this country, its traditions are reflected in Colombian Christmas customs.
Navidad
On the evening of December 24th, Colombians congregate around the Christmas supper to celebrate. Holiday favorites include buñuelos, which are little balls of fried cheese dough eaten hot; el pavo, which is a stuffed turkey with a mixture of raisins and nuts; and el pernil, which is smoked and cooked bone-in ham served with sweet sauces and sometimes saffron rice. Neat cakes (natillas), prepared from panela, cane sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, milk, and cloves, are one of several sweets enjoyed by Colombians. Those who are interested may attend the midnight mass after lunch. In Colombia, on Christmas morning, the “Little Jesus” is believed to be the one who gives the presents instead of Santa Claus.
Aguinaldos: the Christmas Games
The Christmas games where adults and children wager presents are called Aguinaldos. Tres pies is a very popular game in which players try to prevent their opponents from putting their foot in between theirs. Pajita en boca is another game where players are required to keep a straw in their mouths throughout the day. Also very popular is the game Ni oui ni non (“Neither yes, nor no”), which requires players to refrain from speaking any one of those terms (also known as “Yes, no, black, white” in other countries).
Christmas Decorations in Colombia
Houses in Colombia are lit, and prizes are given to those with the greatest decorations in a nationwide contest during the Christmas season. The Christmas lights of Medellín and the neighboring communities in the Boyacá area are famous, and the city has set aside ten million dollars just for them almost every year. That’s why Medellín has been selected by National Geographic as one of the top cities worldwide to marvel at Christmas lights.
Colombian Christmas Foods
Colombian food has its own distinct combination of tastes and dishes, however it isn’t as well-known throughout the world as other cuisines.
- Buñuelos: Savory fritters popularly enjoyed during the Christmas season in Colombia.
- Pineapple Coleslaw: A customary Colombian Christmas dish suitable as an appetizer and a side.
- Tamales: A well-known Latin dish, particularly cherished in Colombia throughout Christmas.
- Ajiaco Soup: A flavorsome soup consisting of chicken, potatoes, and corn.
- Lechona: A pork roast filled with peas and rice.
- Arepas: Fried cornmeal cakes filled with various options like meat or vegetables.
- Gelatina de Colores o Mosaico: A vibrant gelatin dessert served during holiday family meals.
- Pastel Borracho: Comprising mashed yuca, fried pork rinds, boiled eggs, and hard-boiled yolk.
- Biscuits (Bollos or Bolillos): Colombian-style sweet rolls crafted with butter, milk, and flour.
