Christmas is the most magical time of the year to visit Colombia. The streets are filled with lights, Christmas music, delicious food, and an atmosphere of joy. On top of that, there are unique traditions in the country that you can’t miss. Discover the charming and curious ways Colombians celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and dare to experience them for yourself.
Christmas Tree and the Nativity Scene
Setting up the Christmas tree and the nativity scene is common in many parts of the world. Every year at the end of the year, this is a must-do family activity in Colombia. However, Colombians have taken this tradition a step further. Each year, the most creative and impressive nativity scenes are set up in the main squares of towns and cities throughout the country. For example, last year in Venecia, Antioquia, they put together the largest nativity scene in Latin America, consisting of 2,100 figures and 240 wooden buildings representing the everyday life of the Paisa community. This is why it’s common for an end-of-the-year plan to go on a road trip through small towns to admire the nativity scenes.
Christmas Lights
Another common tradition around the world is Christmas lights. In Colombia, however, the magic of Christmas lights is taken to another level with the thematic decorations that are made every year. The Christmas lights seek to celebrate the country’s biodiversity and cultural richness. This year, Medellín’s Christmas lights are inspired by Encanto, the Disney movie that brought Colombian traditions to the world’s big screen.
Novena de Aguinaldos
The novena de aguinaldos is one of the oldest traditions in Colombia. It consists of gathering with family, friends, and neighbors to pray during the nine days before Christmas. But that’s not all: Novenas are also an opportunity to enjoy food, carols, and even dancing. Every night, after praying, the host serves buñuelos, natilla, wine, tamales, and other typical Christmas snacks.
Aguinaldo Games
The aguinaldo games are one of the most fun traditions of the Christmas season in Colombia. During the same days on which the novena is celebrated, family and friends play different games to strengthen the bonds between them. One of the most popular games is “Al sí y al no” (yes and no), which consists of avoiding answering “yes” or “no” to any question. The family will ask questions such as “Did you sleep well?” or “Are you hungry?” and the person must find a word other than yes and no to answer, such as “of course”, “sure” or “negative”. If they lose, they must give a gift, also called aguinaldo, to the person who challenged them, and if they win, they will be the ones to receive the gift.
Agüeros
Colombians tend to have a positive mentality, so at the end of the year, they perform certain rituals called agüeros to ask for prosperity, health, love, and well-being for the coming year. On New Year’s Eve, it’s common to wear yellow underwear, as it is said to attract good luck. Also, right at midnight, they eat twelve grapes and make a wish for each grape they eat. Another popular tradition is to welcome the new year with lentils in your pocket, as it is said that this will attract an abundance of money. Lastly, a very fun agüero is to walk around the block with a suitcase in hopes that you will travel in the coming year; that is why it’s common to see people running around with a suitcase on New Year’s Eve.
Asado and Sancocho
Finally, a popular Colombian Christmas tradition is to gather on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day to eat a special meal. Since the biggest celebrations usually fall on December 24th and 31st, the day after each date there is a quieter gathering focused on food. In warmer-weather towns, it is common to cook and eat on the banks of a river. The most popular meals are sancocho de gallina (chicken stew) and carne asada (roasted meat) with potatoes, plantains, and arepas.
Colombians are cheerful and fun-loving people. Every time of the year has its own celebrations, but Christmas is definitely the most colorful, joyful, and fun season to get to know Colombia. Experience these traditions for yourself and fall in love with this fascinating and charming country. Contact us to ensure you have an unforgettable holiday in Colombia filled with fun activities and cultural experiences.
