Little Candles Day is the unofficial start of the Christmas season in Colombia. It is celebrated on December 7 on the eve of the Immaculate Conception. It’s a celebration full of happiness and light.
On the evening of the 7th, families and friends gather to light candles of many
colours and lanterns at home, in parks, shopping centres, and offices. The lighting
of the candles (velitas) represents the wishes we ask for ourselves and loved
ones. It is a moment reflection, giving thanks, and thinking about our first wishes of the Christmas festivities.
At these gatherings, once the candles are lit and the wishes are made, people take
the opportunity to spend time with their family and friends, enjoy traditional
Christmas foods and drinks (canelazo, buñuelos, natilla, tamales), and plan
gatherings that will be held during the rest of the month, thanks to the “novenas”
which is another Colombian tradition in December.
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