How is Christmas celebrated in Colombia?

Christmas is one of the most anticipated and beloved festivities in Colombia, where joy, generosity, and the festive spirit fill the streets and homes. During this time of year, families and communities come together to celebrate with rituals and traditions rooted in Colombian culture. We will discover the unique traditions that make this time special and how Colombians keep the magic of Christmas alive year after year.

Christmas Preparations and Decorations

Christmas celebrations in Colombia begin long before December 25. Starting in early December, the streets are filled with bright lights, festive decorations, and Christmas music. Homes and shops are decorated with garlands, Christmas trees and twinkling lights that create a magical atmosphere. It is common for families to get together to decorate their homes together, which becomes a special moment of togetherness and joy.

Aguinaldos Novena: Nine Nights of Religious Celebration

One of the most significant Christmas traditions in Colombia is the Novena de Aguinaldos. This religious celebration takes place over nine nights, from December 16 to 24. Every night, families and communities come together to pray, sing Christmas carols and remember the story of the birth of Jesus. After the novena, delicious typical dishes such as custard, fritters and flakes are enjoyed, which are an essential part of Christmas gastronomy in Colombia.

The Lights of the Lighting: A Spectacle of Color and Creativity

One of the most anticipated attractions during Christmas in Colombia is the lighting, which consists of the decoration and spectacular illumination of cities and parks. Every year, different cities compete to create the most impressive and creative lighting, attracting thousands of tourists and locals. Bogotá , Medellín , Cali , and other major cities offer a dazzling light show, with luminous figures, tunnels of lights, and themed stages that transport people to a world of fantasy and joy.

Christmas Eve: A Festive Family Dinner

Christmas Eve, December 24, is the heart of the Christmas celebration in Colombia. Families gather for a festive dinner that usually includes traditional dishes such as lechón, turkey, hallacas (Colombian tamales), and a variety of salads and desserts. After dinner, attend the Misa de Gallo , a religious ceremony that marks the beginning of Christmas. Families then return home to exchange gifts and celebrate together late into the night.

April Fool's Day: A Playful Tradition

On December 28, Colombia celebrates the Day of the Innocent Saints, a holiday in which jokes and mischief are the order of the day. It's common for people to play innocent pranks on their friends and family, and the media also joins in the fun with fake news and advertisements. This playful tradition adds a touch of humor and joy to the Christmas season in Colombia.

New Year's Eve: A Night of Party and Hope

The celebration of Christmas in Colombia culminates with the end of the year party, on December 31. Families and friends gather to share a delicious dinner, usually based on typical dishes such as grapes, lentils and pork. At midnight, everyone hugs and congratulates while waiting for the traditional countdown to welcome in the New Year with fireworks and toasts. In many cities, concerts and open-air parties are held to welcome the new year with music and joy.

The Epiphany: The End of the Christmas Season

On January 6, Colombia celebrates Epiphany , also known as Three Kings Day . This date marks the end of the Christmas season and commemorates the arrival of the Three Wise Men to adore the baby Jesus. Families and communities participate in processions and religious celebrations, and it is common to share the traditional Rosca de Reyes, a delicious donut-shaped sweet bread that contains a surprise inside. Whoever finds the surprise in their slice of bagel becomes the "king" or "queen" for the day and is responsible for hosting a gathering next year.