Fun Colombian Christmas Traditions

Colombia is a country with a very rich culture and many traditions. Of course, these are particularly important around Christmas. Whether you are spending the holiday season in Colombia or simply want to learn more about the culture, this blog post will give you the details about all the food, celebrations and decorations that you’ll find around here in December. Make this Christmas an unforgettable one by celebrating it the Colombian way!

Christmas decorations

What is the first thing you do in December when it’s officially acceptable to talk about Christmas? You get the box with your favorite decorations out of the basement and hang them up. In Colombia, it’s similar, only that the “box” is a lot bigger and people go a little further with their decorations.

A good example of this are the Alumbrados which literally translated means “lit up”, and the cities surely are. Especially in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, you will find the most extraordinary Christmas lights around every corner, blinking, sparkling and lighting up shopping malls, apartment buildings, storefronts, and parks.


The Alumbrados in Medellín
Image source: http://off2colombia.com.co/medellin-eventos/288-medellin-luces-de-navidad-alumbrados

In Medellín, the best places to see the Christmas lights are the Parque Norte, Envigado, Sabaneta, and the City Centre. In Bogotá, the city has created a specific route called “Ruta de La Navidad” the will allow you to experience all the different light decorations. You can check the stations that are spread around the capital here.


“Ruta de la navidad” in Bogotá
Image source: https://www.kienyke.com/tendencias/viajes-k/planes-bogota-diciembre

The Colombian love for extravagant decorations doesn’t stop at Christmas lights. The “pesbre” is as much an important element of the decoration as the Christmas tree. It’s a nativity scene but not just any nativity scene. Go to a large hotel or apartment complex around Christmas and you will find the most impressive constructions including real water flows and plants. 

The nativity scene is also important for another Colombian Christmas tradition. Children usually write their wish list to baby Jesus (niño díos) and put it down at the nativity scene in their house. Here kids don’t believe in Santa bringing the presents, but in Jesus himself delivering their gifts.

Christmas Music

When locals listen to Christmas music it usually includes a few classic party tracks. That’s right, instead of sticking to the regular Christmas carols people here add a few good salsa beats to their playlists to turn the holidays into a big party. What can we say, Colombians like to celebrate - a lot. 

Of course, there are also some more traditional Christmas songs. These are called “villancicos” and are the representation of classic Colombian Christmas carols. They are sung a lot during the festivities of “las novenas” (see below for explanation).



listen to some typical Christmas tracks

The big fiestas in December

Clearly, Christmas in general and the month of December are a big deal. However, there are a few days in the holiday season that are especially celebrated in Colombia.

In Medellín, the first big party goes down during the night of the 30th of November. When the clock strikes midnight fireworks go off all over the city. This is called “Alborada” and the people of Medellín do it to celebrate the beginning of December.

Another important festivity is the “Día de las velitas” or little candles day. This is a celebration of the conception of Maria on the night of the 7th of December. People put candles or paper lanterns in their windows sills, on their balcony and outside their house on the streets. These lights are supposed to guide the Virgin Mary on her way to bless the homes of the people.


Just walk around the city on the 7th of December and you’ll be able to enjoy the candle-lit streets

The 16th of December marks the beginning of an important time in the local tradition. The last nine days before Christmas eve are called “novenas” and are celebrated with dinner and prayers in the family. It is the Colombians way to prepare for Christmas. They recite phrases from prayers and sing Christmas carols. During the nine days, Colombians usually switch to the house of another family member every night. This is a way to remember how the Virgin Mary was looking for shelter at different places in Bethlehem. Especially for older generations, these celebrations are very important. Younger people often use the novenas as an excuse - who would have guessed it - to party.


The whole family gets together at the novenas
Image source: https://www.mycolombianrecipes.com/es/hojuelas-o-hojaldras-colombianas

The most important celebration is Christmas Eve. The whole family gets together for a huge celebration dinner and to exchange gifts. Leading up to this, it’s another tradition to play “aguinaldos”. Those are little games or challenges that friends and family put on each other to win their gifts. But of course, even if you lose, you won’t be left without presents. On midnight, there is a late night mass so people usually stay up until the early morning and sleep in the next day. The 25th is a day to relax, eat leftovers and spent time with the family in a cozy atmosphere. 

If you thought that there would now be a little break between Christmas and the new year celebrations, you were wrong. Of course, there is another festivity in between. The 28th of December is also called the day of innocence of “Día de la innocencia” in Spanish. On this day people play tricks on each other. It is kind of the Colombian version of April fools. Even TV channels adapt their programme to this day by showing a lot of blooper shows. 

Traditional Food

As you have probably guessed from all the traditional meals mentioned above, food plays an important role in Colombian Christmas celebrations - and it’s delicious! 

As the savory main plate, Colombians often opt for lechona. This is an entire pork filled with a stuffing that consists of peas and rice. Alternatives for this dish are ham or turkey. Other savory plates include typical national dishes like Tamales or Ajiaco. 

The real stars of Christmas food, however, are the desserts. Natilla, Arroz con leche, hojuelas and manjar blanco can’t be missed at a traditional dinner. They are as much a part of the typical Christmas celebrations as the sugar coma that follows them.

Natilla is a custard dessert made from milk, sugar, cinnamon and coconut that is usually paired with Buñuelos, fried cheeseballs. Combining sweet and savory - especially when it comes to cheese - is very common here.


A traditional Natilla 
Image source: https://www.colombia.com/gastronomia/asi-sabe-colombia/postres/sdi140/16871/natilla

Arroz con leche is rice cooked in sugary milk until it turns really soft. Traditional toppings are raisins and cinnamon - very christmassy. 

Another sweet treat that you shouldn’t miss out on are hojuelas. They are fried pastries that are served hot and sprinkled with sugar. 


Image source: https://www.mycolombianrecipes.com/es/hojuelas-o-hojaldras-colombianas

Now that you’re an expert in Colombian Christmas traditions, you can go and experience all the nice decorations and - more importantly - try all the delicious specialties. Tell us about your favorite Christmas traditions in the comments!

Sources:
https://www.colombiaimmersion.com/colombian-christmas-traditions/
https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/colombia.shtml
https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/colombia/articles/the-most-unique-colombian-christmas-traditions/
https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/colombia/articles/how-to-celebrate-christmas-in-colombia/
http://www.colombia.co/en/this-is-colombia/culture/folklore/five-ways-celebrate-christmas-colombia/