Colombia is known as the country with the most holidays in the world. This unique feature reflects the cultural richness and diversity of traditions that exist in the country. These are the reasons behind this abundance of holidays, we will analyze the most prominent festivities and how they are celebrated, and we will examine how these celebrations influence Colombian identity and culture.
The culture of the holidays in Colombia is characterized by its color, joy and active participation of the community. These celebrations offer an opportunity for people to connect with their cultural identity, honor their traditions, and share special moments with family and friends.
One of the main reasons why Colombia has so many holidays is its strong religious influence. The country has a large Catholic population, and many holidays are tied to important religious events, such as Easter and Christmas. These celebrations usually last for a long time and are full of rituals, processions and special events.
In Colombia , there are several holidays throughout the year. These are all the holidays officially celebrated in Colombia:
- New Year (January 1): It is celebrated on the first day of the year according to the Gregorian calendar.
- Three Kings Day (January 6): Commemorates the arrival of the Three Kings to adore the baby Jesus.
- Saint Joseph's Day (March 19): Celebration in honor of Saint Joseph, earthly father of Jesus, patron of the Universal Church and special patron of Colombia.
- Holy Thursday and Good Friday (varies each year): The passion, death and resurrection of Jesus are commemorated during Holy Week.
- Labor Day (May 1): Recognition and tribute to workers and their labor rights.
- Ascension Day (varies each year): Christian celebration that commemorates the ascension of Jesus to heaven.
- Corpus Christi (varies each year): Celebration of the body and blood of Christ, according to the Catholic tradition.
- Sacred Heart of Jesus (varies each year): Religious festival in honor of the heart of Jesus.
- Saint Peter and Saint Paul (June 29): Celebration of the apostles Peter and Paul, considered the pillars of the Catholic Church.
- Independence of Colombia (July 20): Commemoration of the declaration of independence of Colombia against Spanish rule in 1810.
- Battle of Boyacá (August 7): Celebration of the victory of the troops led by Simón Bolívar in the Battle of Boyacá in 1819, considered an important milestone in the fight for the independence of Colombia.
- The Assumption of the Virgin (August 15): Catholic celebration that commemorates the ascent of Mary to heaven in body and soul.
- Columbus Day (October 12): Commemoration of the meeting between indigenous American peoples and European explorers, also known as Columbus Day.
- All Saints' Day (November 1): Day to honor and remember the saints and deceased.
- Independence of Cartagena (November 11): Commemoration of the independence of the city of Cartagena de Indias in 1811, one of the first cities to gain independence during the fight against Spanish rule.
- Immaculate Conception (December 8): Catholic celebration that celebrates the conception without original sin of the Virgin Mary.
- Christmas (December 25): Celebration of the birth of Jesus according to Christian tradition.
Holidays play a fundamental role in Colombian identity and culture . These celebrations promote a sense of belonging, national pride and the strengthening of community ties. In addition, the festivities offer a platform for the preservation and transmission of cultural traditions from generation to generation.
Holidays also have a significant impact on the Colombian economy. Many of these festivities, such as the Barranquilla Carnival and the Flower Festival, attract national and international tourists, generating income and promoting cultural tourism in the country.