Colombia is a South American country whose rich culture is the result of the mixture of Europeans, especially Spaniards, indigenous peoples and African slaves.
For this reason the celebration of Christmas is rooted in this cultural identity and makes it unique, keeping alive the solid inherited Catholic traditions. In Colombia, this is the best time of the year, it is an opportunity for meeting, celebration and family rejoicing. Since the month of October, we prepare the environment, decorating in each village, town and city, the houses and the common spaces. Christmas colors, lights and lighting of this period are worldwide famous for their creativity, showiness and beauty. All the preparation and festivities route towards December 24th, the day when we celebrate the great night of Child Jesus’ birth.
Officially festivals open on December 7th with the traditional “night of the candles” when candles, are lit in the streets, balconies and doors of houses, a gesture to honor the Immaculate Conception of Mary on the eve of her solemnity; the street lights are also turned on and families gather and walk through the glowing streets.
Then it is prepared the Nativity scene which recreates the birth of Jesus through images. Here Saint Joseph, the Virgin Mary, the Child Jesus, the mule and the ox play a leading role; that is a family shared work as well as the decoration of the Christmas tree with colored balls, bows and garlands. These Christmas activities are appreciated for originality and for the love and creativity they request.
From December 16th until the night of the 24th, families gather around the manger to pray the “novena of Christmas gifts” and to sing Christmas carols. Here the children have their greatest participation, showing their great joy and letting their dreams and expectations flowing around the celebration of Christmas. It is a Catholic devotion that unites families and today is extended also to the social environment.
When «Christmas Eve» arrives, the last day of the novena is celebrated, preceded by sharing the Christmas dinner, prepared with the typical delicacies according to each regional custom; the common dishes are, among others, the “buñuelos” (fritters), custard and other desserts. Then all those who, with faith and hope, commemorate this beautiful and familiar Christmas eve, share the gifts “left by the Child Jesus”.
The festival lasts until December 25th, solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord. This is a day to enjoy the gifts and to continue singing carols, dancing and gatherings together to share the joy and Christmas spirit.
The Christmas celebrations in Colombia end on December 31st, with the farewell of the old year and the welcome of the new year. Family reunions, dinner, toasts, congratulations and festive celebrations resume until dawn. For a large number of Catholics, it is very important to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist at midnight, both on this day and on the night of the 24th, always according to the reality and family needs.
Liturgically, Christmas culminates with the celebration of the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, or, as it is commonly called, the adoration of the Magi, whose festive relevance in Colombia is not so important at a general level, although it is so for the Catholic Church.
HNA. BLANCA NIDIA BEDOYA SALAZAR, TC