Melanie DeCastro 
Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles)
December 7th
Kicking off a stunningly warm welcome for the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus; Colombians light up candles at night on December 7th. It is a celebration of the day the Mary found out she was going to be a mother.
The candles light up in the streets, illuminating the path for Virgin Mary as she makes her way to each home.
As each candle is lit, Colombians take the opportunity to appreciate the things the have in life. They also make wishes for the upcoming year.
Novenas de Aguinaldos (Christmas Prayers)
December 16 – December 24th
Leading up to Christmas, Colombians have Novenas. Novenas are prayer circles representing the journey of Virgin Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men and Baby Jesus.
Over the course of 9 days, Novenas are held in 9 different households. This is because Mary and Joseph sought out refuge each night in different houses.
Hosts usually greet their guests with amazing Colombian foods and Hot Chocolate with cheese. Children also receive small gifts similar to Christmas stocking gifts. Hosts are the ones to initiate the prayer and also close out the prayer.
Novenas are rooted in Catholic practices. Each novena consists of:
- Oracion Para Todos los Dias (Prayer for Every Day)
- Consideraciones del Dia (Considerations for the Day)
- Oracion de la Santisima Virgen (Prayer for the Virgin Mary)
- Oracion de San Jose (Prayer for Joseph)
- Gozos para el Niño Jesus (Joys to Baby Jesus)
- Oracion al Niño Jesus (Prayer to Baby Jesus)
- Villanciscos (Christmas Carols)
BTW, YES, one of the Villanciscos (Christmas Carols) was sung in the Cheetah Girls 2 Movie! A nana nita nana!
Noche Buena y Navidad (Christmas Eve & Christmas)
December 24th
Colombians celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas. On December 24th families get together and have a huge meal. These meals served are the most traditional Colombian dishes ever.
At the table you will see everything from Lechona to Natilla. Christmas dinner is a time to appreciate family time and catch up with each other.
If you are ever at a Colombian eve celebration you know that salsa will run through your veins because everyone is up until midnight to open up gifts! Waiting until midnight builds up all this anticipation and you will not sleep because you know at 12 you are opening gifts.
