How do they celebrate Christmas in Colombia?
Posted on Dec 22, 2025 / History
In Colombia, Christmas is a long, luminous season that begins early with “Día de las Velitas” (Day of the Little Candles) on December 7, when families light candles and lanterns to welcome the festive period. For nine nights leading up to Christmas Eve, many Colombians observe the Novena of Aguinaldos — gatherings of prayer, carols and food with family and friends. Streets and parks are filled with spectacular Christmas lights and displays, especially in cities like Medellín. On Christmas Eve (Nochebuena), families share late dinners, attend Midnight Mass and often celebrate well into the night with fireworks and music. Nativity scenes and colourful decorations are common in homes and public squares. Traditional foods such as buñuelos and natilla are enjoyed alongside festive music and dance. The season’s celebrations blend deep Catholic faith with joyful community spirit and luminous urban displays.
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