Christmas in Colombia

The holiday season in Colombia is a vibrant and joyous time, filled with unique traditions and festive cheer. For expats and digital nomads spending their first Christmas and New Year's in this South American country, the experience is a delightful immersion into Colombian culture, complete with lively celebrations, delicious foods, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Christmas and New Year's Traditions in Colombia

In Colombia, Christmas and New Year's are celebrated with a fervor that reflects the nation's love for festivity and family. The season is marked by colorful lights, nativity scenes (pesebres), and an array of customs that blend religious significance with communal joy. From the beginning of December, cities and towns are adorned with elaborate decorations, and the air is filled with the sounds of holiday music and fireworks.

Pre-Holiday Festivities

The build-up to Christmas starts with the Day of the Little Candles (Día de las Velitas) on December 7th, where Colombians light candles and lanterns in honor of the Immaculate Conception. This night is often considered the unofficial start of the holiday season. Following this, the nine nights leading up to Christmas Eve are known as the Novena, a time when families and friends gather to pray, sing carols, and share in the festive spirit.

The Colombian Santa Claus

While Colombia doesn't have a traditional Santa Claus figure, gifts are still a significant part of the celebration. Instead of Santa, Baby Jesus (Niño Dios) is often considered the bringer of gifts, which are exchanged at midnight on Christmas Eve. Gifts tend to be thoughtful and personal, reflecting the close-knit nature of Colombian society.

Festive Foods and Desserts

Colombian holiday cuisine is rich and varied, with traditional dishes and desserts taking center stage. Christmas Eve dinner is a grand affair, featuring items like lechona (stuffed pork), tamales, and ajiaco (a hearty chicken and potato soup). Desserts such as buñuelos (cheese fritters) and natilla (a custard-like treat) are ubiquitous, and no celebration is complete without a glass of aguardiente, the anise-flavored national liquor, or a cup of hot chocolate served with cheese.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Christmas Eve, known as Nochebuena, is the heart of the holiday celebration. Families gather for the late-night dinner, followed by the opening of gifts at midnight. Fireworks light up the sky, and the festive atmosphere is palpable. Christmas Day is usually a quieter affair, often spent relaxing with family, attending church services, and enjoying leftovers from the night before.

Church attendance is common during the holidays, with many Colombians attending Misa de Gallo (Rooster's Mass) on Christmas Eve. This mass is a significant religious event and is often followed by the main family gathering and meal.

Destinations for Holiday Festivities

Certain towns and neighborhoods in Colombia are renowned for their Christmas decorations and festivities. Medellín, for example, is famous for its spectacular light displays, known as El Alumbrado, which attract visitors from all over the world. Bogotá's Usaquén district hosts a charming Christmas market, perfect for finding artisanal gifts and enjoying seasonal treats. In Cali, the Feria de Cali kicks off on December 25th, offering a week of concerts, salsa dancing, and cultural events.

As the New Year approaches, Colombians prepare for the countdown with traditions such as eating twelve grapes at midnight for good luck, running around the block with a suitcase for a year of travel, and burning an effigy called Año Viejo to symbolize letting go of the past year's troubles.

Experiencing Christmas and New Year's in Colombia offers a unique opportunity to witness the country's rich cultural tapestry. From the heartfelt Novena gatherings to the exuberant New Year's customs, the holiday season is a time of togetherness, reflection, and celebration. Whether you're savoring a slice of natilla, marveling at the festive lights, or joining in the local traditions, the memories made during this special time are sure to be cherished for years to come.