7 Unique Colombia Christmas Traditions

Colombia is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and its Christmas traditions are no exception. With a mix of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences, Colombia's Christmas celebrations are a vibrant and festive experience. Here are 7 unique Colombia Christmas traditions that showcase the country's warm and festive spirit.

The Novena de Aguinaldos

One of the most distinctive Christmas traditions in Colombia is the Novena de Aguinaldos, a nine-day prayer cycle that begins on December 16th. During this time, families gather together to pray, sing, and share traditional Christmas foods such as buñuelos (fried dough balls) and natilla (a sweet, custard-like dessert). This tradition is a way for Colombians to prepare for the birth of Jesus and to ask for blessings and protection for their families.

Prayers and Carols

Each night, families will pray the rosary and sing traditional Christmas carols, such as "La Novena" and "El Niño del Tambor". The prayers and carols are an essential part of the Novena de Aguinaldos, and are usually accompanied by the playing of traditional instruments such as the guitar and the maracas.

El Día de las Velitas

On December 7th, Colombians celebrate El Día de las Velitas, or the Day of the Little Candles. This tradition dates back to the 19th century, when candles were used to light the way for the Virgin Mary and the Baby Jesus. Today, Colombians light candles and lanterns in their homes and streets, creating a beautiful and festive atmosphere.

Lanterns and Candles

Families will typically light candles and lanterns in their homes, and place them in the windows and doors. This is a way of symbolizing the light of the star of Bethlehem, which guided the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus. The candles and lanterns are also a way of welcoming the Virgin Mary and the Baby Jesus into their homes.

La Noche de Rabanos

On December 23rd, Colombians celebrate La Noche de Rabanos, or the Night of the Radishes. This tradition dates back to the 16th century, when Spanish missionaries used radishes to create nativity scenes. Today, Colombians use radishes to create elaborate and decorative nativity scenes, which are then displayed in their homes and streets.

Nativity Scenes

Families will typically gather together to create their nativity scenes, using radishes, carrots, and other vegetables to create the figures of Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and the Magi. The nativity scenes are then displayed in their homes and streets, creating a festive and festive atmosphere.

La Posada

On December 24th, Colombians celebrate La Posada, or the Posada. This tradition dates back to the 19th century, when Spanish colonizers used to go from door to door, asking for shelter and food. Today, Colombians reenact this tradition by going from door to door, asking for shelter and food, and singing traditional Christmas carols.

Reenacting the Journey

Families will typically gather together to reenact the journey of Mary and Joseph, going from door to door, asking for shelter and food. They will also sing traditional Christmas carols, such as "El Niño del Tambor" and "La Novena". This tradition is a way of commemorating the journey of Mary and Joseph, and of asking for blessings and protection for their families.

El Pesebre

Colombians are known for their love of nativity scenes, and El Pesebre is one of the most popular Christmas traditions in the country. A pesebre is a nativity scene that is typically set up in the home, and features figurines of Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and the Magi.

Nativity Scenes

Families will typically gather together to set up their nativity scenes, using figurines, candles, and other decorations. The nativity scenes are then displayed in their homes and streets, creating a festive and festive atmosphere.

El Año Viejo

On December 31st, Colombians celebrate El Año Viejo, or the Old Year. This tradition dates back to the 19th century, when people would burn effigies of politicians and other public figures to symbolize the end of the old year.

Burning Effigies

Today, Colombians continue this tradition by burning effigies of politicians, celebrities, and other public figures. They will also sing traditional songs, such as "El Año Viejo" and "La Quema del Año Viejo". This tradition is a way of symbolizing the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year.

The Día de los Reyes Magos

On January 6th, Colombians celebrate the Día de los Reyes Magos, or the Day of the Magi. This tradition dates back to the 19th century, when people would exchange gifts and celebrate the arrival of the Magi.

Exchanging Gifts

Families will typically gather together to exchange gifts and celebrate the arrival of the Magi. They will also sing traditional songs, such as "El Niño del Tambor" and "La Novena". This tradition is a way of commemorating the arrival of the Magi and of asking for blessings and protection for their families.

We hope you've enjoyed learning about these unique Colombia Christmas traditions. From the Novena de Aguinaldos to the Día de los Reyes Magos, Colombia's Christmas celebrations are a vibrant and festive experience. Whether you're a Colombian or just a lover of Christmas traditions, we encourage you to try some of these customs and make them a part of your own holiday celebrations.

We'd love to hear from you! Share your favorite Colombia Christmas traditions with us in the comments below. And don't forget to share this article with your friends and family to spread the festive cheer.