Fiesta de las velitas in Colombia

In Colombia , the month of December is a magical time full of traditions that reflect the essence and warmth of its people. Among the most emblematic festivities is " La Fiesta de las Velitas ", a celebration that marks the beginning of the Christmas season. Every year, on December 7, the streets and Colombian homes are filled with light and color with the lighting of candles and lanterns. This festivity, loaded with symbolism and emotion, represents family unity, faith and hope in a prosperous future.

Origins of "The Party of the Little Candles"

The roots of "La Fiesta de las Velitas" date back to the 19th century, when in 1854 Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. In Colombia , the devotion to the Virgin is deep and rooted, so Colombians received the news of this new dogma with great enthusiasm.

On December 7, 1854, the day the proclamation was made, the Catholic faithful of Colombia wanted to express their joy and gratitude to the Virgin Mary for her protection and guidance. As a symbol of light and hope, they began to light candles and lanterns in the streets and the windows of their houses to illuminate the path of the Virgin towards the city. In this way, the tradition of "La Fiesta de las Velitas" was born.

Over time, the holiday acquired more meaning and merged with other local and religious traditions. In addition to devotion to the Virgin Mary, the celebration was also linked to the arrival of the Child Jesus in the Christmas season and to the purification and protection of the home and family.

Celebrations and Symbolism

On the night of December 7, Colombia lights up with the magic of thousands of candles and lanterns that fill the streets and squares with light and color. The festivity begins in the late afternoon, when families gather in their homes to light the candles in their windows and balconies. Each candle represents a wish, a prayer, or a special intention for the coming year. In addition to the candles, the lanterns also have an important role in this celebration. Many children and adults make paper lanterns and decorate them with creative and festive designs. These lanterns are taken to the streets, where they are displayed overnight to add even more light and color to the festivities.

The cities and towns of Colombia are decked out with Christmas decorations and lights that create a magical and festive atmosphere. Parks and squares become meeting places where people gather to share this tradition, sing Christmas carols, enjoy typical foods and enjoy the company of family and friends.

Religious devotion is also part of "La Fiesta de las Velitas". Many people attend masses and special ceremonies in churches and cathedrals to pay homage to the Virgin Mary and give thanks for the blessings received during the year.

The Little Candles Festival in Different Regions of Colombia

The Fiesta de las Velitas is one of the most beloved and anticipated festivities in Colombia, and each region of the country adds its own special twist, incorporating unique traditions and distinctive cultural characteristics.

Boyacá Region: In Boyacá, located in the Andean region, the Fiesta de las Velitas is celebrated with great fervor and tradition. One of the peculiarities of this region is the realization of the "Alboradas". During the early morning of December 7, groups of musicians walk the streets of towns and cities playing typical instruments of the region, such as the tiple and the guitar, while the inhabitants come together to light candles and lanterns to the rhythm of the music. The "Alboradas" are a sample of the cultural identity of Boyacá and a moment of union and joy among its inhabitants.

Caribbean Region: On the Colombian Caribbean Coast, which includes departments such as Atlántico, Bolívar, Cesar, La Guajira, Magdalena and Sucre, the Fiesta de las Velitas acquires a more festive and joyful character. The proximity to the sea and the warm climate mean that many celebrations are held on the beaches and spas. Here, families and communities come together to light candles and lanterns, and immerse themselves in the music, dance, and typical foods of the region. The parades of lanterns and lights fill the streets with color and joy, and the festive atmosphere spreads to everyone present.

Amazon Region: In the Amazon region, located in the Colombian jungle, the Fiesta de las Velitas is lived in a way that is closer to nature. Here, indigenous and local communities perform special rituals in which they light candles and lanterns in gratitude to the land and nature. The celebrations are imbued with elements of the indigenous worldview and show the deep connection they have with mother earth and their ancestral traditions.

Region of Antioquia: In the department of Antioquia, especially in the city of Medellín, the Fiesta de las Velitas merges with the famous "Alumbrado Navideño". Medellín is known for its impressive Christmas decoration and its spectacular lighting with millions of LED lights and luminous figures that represent Christmas scenes, animals and characters from Colombian tradition. The Medellín Christmas Lighting attracts thousands of tourists and is a benchmark in the celebration of Christmas throughout Colombia.

Pacific Region: In the departments of Chocó , Valle del Cauca and Cauca , which make up the Colombian Pacific region, the Fiesta de las Velitas mixes with Afro-Colombian culture and the currulao tradition. The inhabitants of this region celebrate the festivity with music, dances and typical songs of the Pacific, such as the currulao and the marimba. Lanterns and candles illuminate the streets and rivers, creating a magical and emotional atmosphere that highlights the cultural richness of this region.

Huila Region: In Huila , a department located in the Andean region, the Fiesta de las Velitas is lived with enthusiasm and is an occasion to bring families together and share special moments. The streets and squares are filled with lights and lanterns made by local artisans, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere. Communities come together to light the candles and pray together for a prosperous and blessed future.

If you have the opportunity to visit Colombia in December, do not miss the opportunity to live the magic of "La Fiesta de las Velitas". It is a unique experience that will allow you to immerse yourself in the culture and warmth of Colombians, and it will fill you with emotions and good wishes for the coming year. Come be a part of this luminous and soulful tradition in the land of magical realism!