Customs and traditions

By
Norma Ariza
O
7 de velitas
In Colombia, the "Night of Candles," or "Noche de Velitas" in Spanish, is a popular celebration that
takes place on the night of December 7th. It marks the beginning of the Christmas season and is a time
for families and communities to come together to light candles and lanterns, decorate their homes, and
celebrate the holiday spirit.
O Origin: The tradition of Noche de Velitas has its roots in Catholicism, as it is dedicated to the Virgin
Mary, particularly the Immaculate Conception. However, it has evolved into a more general celebration
of Christmas and is observed by people of all backgrounds and beliefs .
O
HALLOWEEN
Halloween, known as "Día de las Brujas" or "Noche de Brujas" in Colombia, is celebrated in a unique way
that combines both traditional Colombian customs and the more commercialized aspects of the holiday.

O Costumes: Similar to other countries, Colombians enjoy dressing up in costumes. Children, in particular,
often wear costumes to school or for neighborhood trick-or-treating. Common costumes include witches,
vampires, zombies, and popular fictional characters.
O Trick-or-Treating: Trick-or-treating is a relatively recent tradition in Colombia, primarily observed in urban
areas and larger cities. Children go from house to house, often accompanied by parents, asking for candy. Not
all neighborhoods participate, but in those that do, it has become a fun activity for kids.
O Cultural Blending: In Colombia, Halloween is often combined with the traditional celebration of "Día de los
Niños" (Children's Day), which falls on the last Saturday in October. This blending of cultural events means
that Halloween activities may extend beyond October 31st.
O
Christmas
Christmas, known as "Navidad" in Colombia, is a festive and widely celebrated holiday in the country.
Colombian Christmas traditions combine religious customs with unique cultural elements. Here's a glimpse into
how Christmas is celebrated in Colombia:
O Novena de Aguinaldos: The Novena de Aguinaldos is a nine-day Christmas novena, a religious devotion, that
begins on December 16th and ends on December 24th. Families and friends gather to pray, sing carols, and read
Bible passages that recount the story of the Nativity.
O Pesebre: Nativity scenes, known as "pesebres," are a central part of Colombian Christmas decorations. They are
often intricate and include not only Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus but also various figurines representing
Colombian culture, such as campesinos (peasant farmers) and animals.
 Typical Food
O Colombian cuisine is diverse and influenced by a variety of cultures and regions within the
country. Here are some typical Colombian foods and dishes you might encounter:
O Arepas: Arepas are a staple in Colombian cuisine. These are round, flatbreads made from
cornmeal, and they can be grilled, fried, or baked. They are often served as a side dish or
filled with various ingredients like cheese, meat, or eggs.
O Bandeja Paisa: This is a hearty and filling dish from the Paisa region of Colombia. It
typically includes rice, red beans, ground beef, chicharrón (crispy pork belly), fried egg,
avocado, and plantains.
O Coffe: Colombian coffee is renowned worldwide for its high quality and distinct flavor
profile.
 Important Sports
O Soccer, known as "fútbol" in Colombia, is the most popular sport in the country and holds a special
place in the hearts of Colombians. Here are some key aspects of soccer in Colombia:
O National Team: The Colombian national soccer team competes in various international
tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and the Copa America. The team has produced
legendary players such as Carlos Valderrama, René Higuita, and James Rodríguez.
O Women's Soccer: Women's soccer is also growing in popularity in Colombia. The women's national
team, known as "Las Superpoderosas," has gained recognition on the international stage.
 Conclusion
O In conclusion, Colombia is a very diverse country full of culture and very happy people, it is a
country full of natural beauty in which there is always something new to discover, it is also a
country very passionate about what it likes and will always be supporting it