Holidays in Colombia- specifically Cali (14 June 2022)

 

Did you know that Colombia is tied with India for second place for the most official holidays in the world?  They celebrate 18 national holidays per year, 12 of which are religious holidays.  Today, my classmates and I learned about Colombian holidays and festivals in class.  I am going to explain some traditions for two of Colombia’s (and specifically Cali’s) biggest holidays which I find symbolic of this highly Christian population: “La Navidad” (Christmas) and “Semana Santa/La Pascua” (Holy Week and Easter). 

According to my Spanish teacher, Ángela, and my host family, the Christmas season in Cali officially begins on December 7th, with the “Día de Velitas” (Day of Small Candles).  This is the day of the Annunciation of the Lord, where the Angel Gabriel appears to Mary to tell her that she will give birth to Jesus, God´s Son.  Many streets are decorated with small candles awaiting the arrival of the Virgen Mary.  It is beautiful and serene to see the streets lit up.






“Las velitas”- candles lighting the path for the Virgin Mary (Photo courtesy of Adriana Castro)

 

The 16th of December begins the nine-day period called “Las novenas” (Novenas) before the birth of Jesus.  This time is to be meant for prayer, singing, and getting together with family and friends.  A common centerpiece for a Colombian Christmas is the Nativity scene but, in some households, Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph, remain far away from the manger.  They are put further away from the scene and as the days approach Christmas, the children in the families move the figures near the stable where Jesus was born.  This represents the journey that they took to give birth to Jesus.  Once December 24th and 25th arrive, Jesus and His family appear in the center of the Nativity.  Then, begins the arrival of the Three Kings (los reyes magos).  The children also move these figures closer to Jesus as the date of January 6th approaches, where they gave Jesus the gifts of oil, frankincense, and myrrh.  Children in Cali receive gifts on December 24th, “Nochebuena,” at 12:00 a.m.

“Semana Santa” (Holy Week) and La Pascua (Easter) are also extremely important religious traditions/holidays.  According to my host dad, Jaime, Caleños typically go to Churches on Thursday and have a large procession/parade on Friday with sculptures of the Saints or of the Stations of the Cross.  It is a very solemn time because this is the passion of Jesus.  The parades resound religious music.  Catholic Caleños do not eat red meat on this day.  Sunday marks the Resurrection of Jesus, with a Mass.  One will not see the Easter bunny or big celebrations with food during Semana Santa or Easter.



A statue of one of the stations of the cross where Veronica wipes the face of Jesus (photo courtesy of Adriana Castro)



            Another station of the cross in which Jesus falls (photo courtesy of Adriana Castro)

 

“Holidays in Colombia”.  14 June 2022.  <https://www.colombia.co/en/colombia-culture/holidays-colombia/>.

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