The Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Colombia 2025 is one of the country's most important religious celebrations and a date that officially marks the beginning of the Christmas season. Every December 8th, thousands of Colombian families light candles, attend special Masses, and participate in traditional festivities that blend the Catholic faith with the cultural customs of each region.
This date, in addition to being a national holiday , is deeply rooted in the Marian devotion of the Colombian people and has great relevance to the country's spiritual identity.
When is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrated in 2025?
In 2025 , the Feast of the Immaculate Conception will be celebrated on Monday, December 8th , a holiday throughout Colombia. This date is unchangeable and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary under the patronage of her conception without original sin, a fundamental dogma of the Catholic Church.
Many Colombians take advantage of this holiday to travel, spend time with family, and continue the festivities that began on the Night of the Candles on December 7, creating an atmosphere of unity and spirituality that anticipates Christmas.
Origin and meaning of the Day of the Immaculate Conception
The commemoration has its roots in the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception by Pope Pius IX on December 8, 1854 , through the bull Ineffabilis Deus . In it, he declared that the Virgin Mary was conceived free from original sin from the first instant of her existence.
In Colombia, this celebration was fervently adopted since the colonial era. Catholic communities, especially in cities like Bogotá, Popayán, Tunja, and Cartagena, began holding processions, prayers, and liturgical ceremonies in honor of the Virgin, thus consolidating a tradition that has remained alive for more than a century.
How the Immaculate Conception is celebrated in Colombia
December 8th customs vary by region, but they share one common element: Marian devotion . Among the most notable traditions are:
Lighting candles and lanterns: Although most associate it with the Night of the Candles, many families continue to light candles on December 8 as a symbol of purity and faith.
Masses and processions: Parishes hold special celebrations dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In some municipalities, images of the Immaculate Conception parade through the streets accompanied by religious music.
Home altars: In many Colombian homes, altars are decorated with white flowers and figures of the Virgin.
Family gatherings: It is customary to share traditional foods, sweets, and fritters, marking the Christmas spirit.
In places like Antioquia, Santander, and Nariño, the date coincides with local festivities that blend Catholic tradition with music, cuisine, and folk dances.
Importance of December 8 for Colombians
The Day of the Immaculate Conception represents much more than a holiday. It is a day that reaffirms the values of faith, family, and hope , pillars of Colombian culture. It also symbolizes the country's commitment to its religious roots and the transmission of customs that strengthen its national identity.
On a social level, December 8 also marks the official start of Christmas in Colombia , with decorations, lights, and novenas that begin to prepare the festive atmosphere in cities and towns.
Relationship between the Day of the Candles and the Immaculate Conception
Although they are sometimes confused, both celebrations are closely related.
On December 7 , the eve of the day of the Immaculate Conception, the Night of the Candles is celebrated, in which the faithful light candles to honor the Virgin.
On December 8 , the Church formally commemorates the dogma of the Immaculate Conception .
For this reason, many Colombians celebrate both dates as one holiday, extending the celebration over two days filled with spirituality and joy.
What to do on the December 8th holiday in Colombia
If you want to celebrate this holiday in a special way, here are some ideas:
Participate in solemn masses in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Visit Marian sites such as the Sanctuary of Las Lajas (Nariño), the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Chiquinquirá (Boyacá) or the Basilica of the Lord of Miracles (Buga).
Light candles with your family and say a prayer of thanksgiving.
Enjoy the Christmas lights in Medellín, Bogotá, or Cali, which will be lit for the season.
You can learn more about Colombia's most beautiful Christmas lights in 2025 in this blog post .
Other December holidays and celebrations in Colombia
December is one of the most festive months of the year. In addition to the Feast of the Immaculate Conception , the following are also celebrated:
Christmas (December 25)
New Year (January 1)
Day of the Little Candles (December 7)
You can check the complete list of holidays for next year in the Colombia Holiday Calendar 2026 .