CHRISTMAS IN COLUMBIA
Christmas in Colombia is a joyful and vibrant celebration filled with unique traditions that bring families and communities together. Columbia is in South America, so you won’t ever see a white Christmas. Christmas is in the summer time in South America, so warm temperatures make Christmas look a little different, but just like Christmas everywhere, Columbian Christmases are full of family, fun, laughter, and lights! Christmas season in Columbia is called Advent. It begins in early December and lasts until early January.
The Alboradas
On December 1, many cities host fireworks to bring in the Christmas season. Towns prepare for the season by bringing in food trucks, setting up music stages for music performances, hanging massive light displays, and hosting elaborate fireworks shows. People enjoy spending time with friends and family, dancing, listening to music, watching the fireworks and lights, and eating foods like 'buñuelos' and ‘empanadas' as they bring in the holiday season!
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Watch the video above to see the lighting of Medellin, Columbia for Alboradas.
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Watch the video above to see the fireworks in Medellin, Columbia for Alboradas.
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Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles)
The holiday season kicks off on the night of December 7 with"Día de las Velitas," or Day of the Little Candles. Families light candles and make lanterns. They place the lit lanterns outside their homes, along streets, and on balconies. This beautiful sight symbolizes the beginning of Christmas and honors Mary, the mother of Jesus.
See the gallery below of pictures of Day of the Little Candles in Columbia.
See the gallery below of pictures of Day of the Little Candles in Columbia.
The Desfile de Mitos y Leyendas (Myths and Legends Parade)
The Desfile de Mitos y Leyendas, or Myths and Legends Parade, is a carnival event that takes place on December 8th in Colombia as part of the annual Day of the Little Candles celebrations. The parade is a highlight of the evening, which also includes light displays in parks and public plazas, and fireworks. The parade features costumed dancers, masked musicians, and large floats that bring Colombian legends to life.
See the gallery below of pictures of the Myths and Legends Parade.
See the gallery below of pictures of the Myths and Legends Parade.
Novena de Aguinaldos
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Another important tradition is the "Novena de Aguinaldos," which starts on December 16th and continues for nine nights. Families come together each evening to pray, sing carols, and remember the story of the birth of Jesus. Each night, a different family member hosts the novena, and special treats, like buñuelos (fried dough balls) and natilla (a kind of custard), are shared among the guests. It is a wonderful way for families to connect during the holiday season. |
Nativity Scenes
One Christmas tradition in Columbia is making and displaying nativity scenes or "pesebres." The majority of Colombians are deeply religious. You will see this in the way they decorate a Christmas. Children make nativity scene crafts at school and families, churches, and businesses display elaborate nativity scenes showcasing, not only the Holy Family, but also local characters and animals, making it a reflection of their culture.
Barranquilla, Colombia has the largest live action Nativity scene in the world. It has 90 actors that act out the moments before and after the birth of Jesus.
Barranquilla, Colombia has the largest live action Nativity scene in the world. It has 90 actors that act out the moments before and after the birth of Jesus.
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Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Christmas Eve, or "Nochebuena," is one of the most special nights in Colombia. Families gather to celebrate with a big dinner featuring traditional foods. The dishes often include 'lechona' (pork stuffed with rice and peas), ham, turkey or a chicken soup called 'Ajiaco Bogotano'. Other popular foods around Christmas are 'Buñuelos' (cheesy fritters), arepas (a thick dish made from corn) and 'hojuelas' (a fried pastry with sugar and jam). A very popular Christmas dessert is 'Natilla' which is a set custard. After dinner, many families exchange gifts to celebrate Christmas together.
After the Christmas meal, many people will go to a Midnight mass Church Service. Some people stay up all night, so Christmas Day is a day for relaxing and eating up leftovers!
Fireworks are also very popular on Christmas Eve night. They can start as early as 10pm and go on throughout the night to celebrate Christmas!
See the gallery below of pictures of traditional Columbian Christmas foods.
Fireworks are also very popular on Christmas Eve night. They can start as early as 10pm and go on throughout the night to celebrate Christmas!
See the gallery below of pictures of traditional Columbian Christmas foods.
Innocents Day
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The Christmas season in Colombia doesn't end on December 25th. On the 28th of December people celebrate Innocents Day, which is like April Fools Day, with lots of jokes and fun. TV stations often show bloopers and funny mistakes people have made in the previous year.
Fireworks and Parties
To welcome in the New Year, Colombians enjoy spectacular fireworks displays and lively celebrations. Families gather for parties, dancing, and enjoying delicious food together. It is a time of joy and excitement as everyone looks forward to a fresh start in the new year.
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Los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day)
The season usually ends on January 6th, known as "Los Reyes Magos" or Three Kings Day. This day celebrates the visit of the Wise Men to the baby Jesus. Children eagerly await this occasion, as it is another day for gift-giving. Families often enjoy a special cake called the King cake or "Roscón de Reyes," which is shaped like a crown and has surprises hidden inside.
See the gallery below of pictures of the Three Kings Day Parade and King Cake.
See the gallery below of pictures of the Three Kings Day Parade and King Cake.
