With its rich cultural diversity, holiday traditions in Colombia consist of a wide range of festivities and gift-giving customs. Every celebration reflects the country’s history, beliefs, and the warmth of its people. In this blog, we’ll explore the most important holiday celebrations in Colombia. Along with the types of gifts exchanged, and how you can send a gift to someone in this vibrant country.
Through GiftBasketsOverseas.com, you can send a gift for nearly any occasion to almost any place. You can celebrate these special moments, even from afar.
What are the holiday traditions in Colombia?
Colombia celebrates with enthusiasm throughout the year, with festivities that range from religious to historical and cultural. Some of the most important include:
Christmas and New Year: These are perhaps the most beloved celebrations in Colombia. Christmas is on December 24th and 25th, and New Year’s Eve on December 31st. The festivity extends beyond these days with preparations and events starting much earlier.
Semana Santa: As a country with deep Catholic roots, Holy Week is one of the most important religious festivals. Cities like Popayán and Mompox are famous for their processions.
Independence Day: Celebrated on July 20th, this national holiday commemorates Colombia’s independence from Spain with parades and cultural events.
Carnaval de Barranquilla: Held in February, this carnival is one of the most important cultural events in Colombia. This event is known for its colorful parades and vibrant music.
Día de las Velitas: Celebrated on December 7th, this date marks the start of the Christmas season, with Colombians lighting candles in their homes and streets to honor the Virgin Maria.
Feasts of Saint Peter and Saint Paul: These religious festivities are at the end of June, especially in the regions of Tolima and Huila, with traditional dancing and music.
Love and Friendship Day: This holiday takes place on the third Saturday of September. Unlike Valentine’s Day, it celebrates all kinds of human relationships, not just romantic ones.
What gifts are given in Colombia?
Gift-giving in Colombia greatly depends on the occasion, but it is always filled with a deep sense of appreciation. Some of the most common gifts are:
- Flowers: Colombia is known as one of the largest exporters of flowers in the world. Roses and lilies are classic gift options.
- Gift baskets: For special occasions, gift baskets featuring gourmet food, wine, and traditional sweets are very popular.
- Handicrafts: Colombians place great value on their culture, so giving local crafts like Wayuu bags or vueltiao hats is a thoughtful gesture.
- Clothing and accessories: It’s common to give high-quality clothing, accessories, or shoes during Christmas or important celebrations.
- Chocolate and coffee: Colombia produces some of the best coffee in the world, and both coffee and chocolates made from local cacao are highly valued gifts.
What are some festive customs and holiday traditions in Colombia?
Colombia is a country where festivities often involve dancing, music, and rich gastronomy. Some of the most common festive customs include:
- Novenas: During the nine days leading up to Christmas, Colombian families gather to pray, sing carols, and share traditional meals.
- Independence Day: On July 20th, many cities celebrate with military parades and cultural events to commemorate the country’s independence.
- Carnival of Blacks and Whites: Held in Pasto in January, this festival is a unique blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish traditions.
What are Colombia’s Christmas traditions?
Christmas in Colombia is one of the longest and most tradition-filled celebrations. From December 7th, with the Day of the Velitas, to January 6th, with the Epiphany, Colombians dedicate time to celebrating with family and friends. Some Christmas traditions include:
- Novenas de Aguinaldos: This is a series of prayers said during the nine days leading up to Christmas, accompanied by songs and, of course, delicious food.
- Day of the Velitas: On December 7th, Colombians light candles and lanterns in streets and homes, creating a magical atmosphere.
- Christmas dinners: Food is central to Christmas celebrations, with typical dishes like tamales, natilla, buñuelos, and lechona (stuffed pork).
Holiday traditions in Colombia: Do Colombians exchange gifts at Christmas?
Yes, Christmas in Colombia is unimaginable without the traditional gift exchange, a practice that reflects the spirit of generosity and family unity. Families gather on the night of December 24th, known as Nochebuena, to share a special dinner filled with typical dishes like tamales, natilla, buñuelos, and, in Bogotá, a delicious ajiaco (a hearty soup made with three types of potatoes, chicken, guasca leaves, and half an ear of corn). After enjoying the meal, the long-awaited moment of opening presents arrives.
This gift exchange is not limited to children; adults also take part, making the evening an event for everyone. Gifts can range from toys for children, clothing, and accessories to household items or more sentimental gifts. The festive atmosphere is filled with joy and gratitude as every gift symbolizes love and well-wishes for loved ones. In many households, this act of generosity is one of the highlights of the festivities, strengthening family bonds on such a special date.
What happens nine days before Christmas in Colombia?
Nine days before Christmas, on December 16th, one of Colombia’s most beloved and significant traditions begins: the Novenas de Aguinaldos. This ritual, deeply rooted in Colombian culture, originated from religious customs brought by the Spanish. It has evolved into an opportunity for family and community gatherings. For nine consecutive nights until Christmas Eve, families, friends, and neighbors come together to pray, share, and celebrate in preparation for the birth of Jesus.
Each night of the novena follows a particular pattern. Specific prayers recounting the moments leading up to Jesus’ birth are recited, and traditional Christmas songs filled with joy and hope are sung. Children often participate actively, singing and sometimes dressing up to represent nativity scenes. The novenas not only serve as a space for devotion but also for socializing, where families strengthen their bonds and share moments of togetherness.
Besides prayers and songs, it’s customary to serve traditional Christmas foods such as buñuelos, natilla, and other local sweets. Families lovingly prepare these dishes, turning each gathering into a true feast. In some regions, novenas also include games and activities for children, adding a touch of fun to the celebrations.
What is the most popular holiday in Colombia?
Colombia is famous for its vibrant celebrations. And, without a doubt, Carnaval de Barranquilla stands out as one of the country’s most popular and eagerly awaited festivities. Held every year before the start of Lent, this event transforms the city into a stage full of color. Thousands of people from all over the world travel to Barranquilla to witness the contagious energy of cumbia and vallenato music. For four days, the city is immersed in an unmatched celebration, with the Battle of Flowers as one of the carnival’s most iconic moments. UNESCO has recognized Carnaval de Barranquilla as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a testament to its cultural significance and its ability to bring people together to celebrate life.
What do Colombians celebrate on December 7th?
On December 7th, Colombians celebrate Day de las Velitas, one of the country’s most special traditions. This holiday is marked as the official start of the Christmas season, and families light candles and lanterns in honor of the Virgin Mary. Streets and homes light up with candles, creating an atmosphere of peace and joy.
Holiday traditions in Colombia: What is the most unique holiday in Colombia?
The Carnival of Blacks and Whites, celebrated in the city of Pasto in southern Colombia, is a unique festivity. Held from January 2nd to 7th, it is also recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is a fascinating blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish cultures. The carnival begins with Black Day, where people paint themselves black as a symbol of equality and fraternity, followed by White Day, where everyone covers themselves in white powder to symbolize racial unity. The Carnival of Blacks and Whites is a cultural expression that reflects the diversity and mestizaje that characterize Colombia.
How is Love and Friendship Day celebrated?
Love and Friendship Day is one of the most beloved celebrations in Colombia, taking place on the third Saturday of September. Unlike many countries that celebrate Valentine’s Day in February, Colombians dedicate this day to celebrating not only romantic love but also friendship. It’s an occasion where friends and couples exchange gifts, express their affection, and enjoy special moments together.
A very popular tradition during this holiday is “secret friend”, a game where a group of people, whether at work, among friends, or within the family, exchange gifts anonymously. In the days leading up to the celebration, participants send small tokens or notes to their secret friend, and on the final day, the identity of the friend is revealed, and a more significant gift is given.
Common gifts include chocolates, flowers, love or friendship cards, and small tokens of appreciation. Love and Friendship Day is a celebration that reflects the warmth of interpersonal relationships in Colombia, making September a month filled with love and companionship.
How do I send a gift to someone in Colombia?
Sending a gift to someone in Colombia is easier than you might think. Through specialized platforms like GiftBasketsOverseas.com, you can choose from a variety of options. Gifts such as gourmet gift baskets, fresh flowers, wines, and chocolates can be delivered directly to your loved one’s door. We also offer a 24/7 customer service team with gift experts always ready to help you surprise your loved ones.
In conclusion, Colombia is a country full of traditions and celebrations centered around family, friends, and, of course, gifts. From Christmas to Carnival, there are many opportunities to share joy and show appreciation through gifts. If you have a loved one in Colombia, consider sending them a gift to join in these wonderful traditions.
Send Joy to Colombia: Gifts and Flowers for Every Holiday
- Send beautiful flowers and gifts to loved ones in Colombia today.
- Explore our curated gift baskets for the upcoming holiday season.
- Learn more about holiday traditions and gifting customs on our blog.
I am a Brand Manager at Canastas de Regalos Internacionales, and a graphic designer with a passion for editorial design, travel, photography, animals, and biking.