Spending Christmas in Colombia?

Columbia views Christmas much more as a religious holiday as opposed to a time of parties and festivities. The most marked differences here are that the gifts the children receive are from the Baby Jesus and not Santa Claus. Although he is, still a Christmas figure the roll of the gift giver is not promoted by the Church. There are jolly old Saint Nick’s at the shopping malls where the kids are delighted to line up to have their picture taken with Santa. Many of the decorations portray the boisterous and happy Santa.

The residents of Columbia love to start the celebrations of Christmas early. In fact, they start in early November with the decorating. On December 7th, it presents the unofficial start of the festivities. It starts with a magnificent display of candles and lanterns. Everywhere one looks, they can view the soft glow of these. It is called the “Day of the Candles“. This is done to pay homage to the Immaculate Conception, which is to have taken place the next day. Lots of other activities are enjoyed at this time as well. There is much music to partake in, and a wonderful display of fireworks.

The job of decorating ones house is small compared to the upcoming job of decorating the neighborhood. Because that’s what takes place. Some of the local shops and radio stations hold contests for the best decorated. Fireworks used to be a big part of the festivities. Recently there have been bans put in place regarding this. This hasn’t stopped a few of the cities and towns from celebrating with them. December 16th is the first day of the Christmas Novena. It is a very religious devotional time centered on prayer that is performed on a daily basis for the nine days preceding Christmas day, with the last one ending on Christmas Eve.

This religious ceremony was adopted to depict the true meaning of Christmas and reject the commercialism of Christmas. For many countries around the world, Christmas day is the most important day of the year. In Columbia, it is Christmas Eve. This is the time that family and friends gather to recite the last prayer of the Novena. Then the children anxiously away the stroke of midnight where they finally get to open their gifts. Mass is held at midnight is the Misa de Gallo (the Rooster’s Mass).

Feliz Navidad!

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