CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN MEDELLÍN
Tradition has always been an important aspect of Colombian culture, and this is particularly emphasized around the Christmas season. Christmas in Colombia officially kicks off on December 7th with Día de Velitas, or Little Candles Day. It is a magical time to stroll through residential streets, as many houses will line the streets with candles, which they light to bring good fortune.
Christmas time in Medellín is a time of celebration and holiday spirit as the city begins to light up with amazing decorations. Paisas, Medellín natives, are very proud of their city, with Medellín now becoming well known thanks to the annual Christmas decoration and lighting that amazes both locals and foreigners who come specifically to see it. Citizens decorate their gardens, balconies, and homes with festive decor as everybody prepares for the month of December and its various celebrations.
A major highlight every December is when the city turns on the Christmas lights that they have been busy preparing for the entire month of November. During this annual festival of lights, the streets of the city come alive with strings of lights, lighted panels, and holiday scenes in bright colours. Along the Medellín River, lights play in the water and the city’s fountains flow and dance in vivid colour.
This event traditionally officially begins on the night of December 7th of every year, but varies from time to time depending on the weather and other factors. This inauguration of the Christmas lighting in Medellín is an event eagerly awaited by all the inhabitants of the city. Every year, a great ceremony is held to kick off the Christmas season, when the lights are turned on and the festivities begin.
La Alpujarra, an emblematic place in the centre of Medellín, becomes the main stage of this celebration where music, dance and fireworks shows are performed that fill all those present with emotion.
These Christmas lights adorn the entire city and are set up along major thoroughfares, roads, parks, and especially along the Medellín River.
The concentration of Christmas lights along the Medellín River is truly a sight to behold as millions of dollars are spent every year creating unique themes that are different from the previous season. Whether traveling with children, a partner, or friends, the beauty of Medellin’s Christmas lights is not to be missed.
In 2022, the lights were inspired by Disney’s movie Encanto and did not disappoint in being a spectacular show where the entire city was transformed with millions of LED lights into the Disney story that captured so many hearts.
Families stroll along to the Medellín River area as it comes alive with thousands of people who revel in the fantastic array of colours and designs that make up the area. More than two kilometres/1.25 miles of the Medellín River is completely covered in explosive and sparkling colours that can average more than 15 million bulbs. Lights seem to float along the length of the Medellín River as fountains of dancing coloured waters rise above it. Avenues are covered in arches of coloured light, and huge Christmas scenes in brilliant coloured lights line riverfront parks and the Parque Norte. The highest number of lights adorned in the Alumbrados was in 2017, when 37 million lights were hung.
In addition, street performers use their talents to entertain the crowds that include tourists who flock to the city to see the sites and different activities and events that take place throughout the entire month. There are vendors selling everything from cotton candy, fast foods and beverages of every sort and flavour. Along the streets and in the park are vendors selling food, freshly cooked buñuelos, arepas, roasted ears of corn, skewers of LGBTQ+ chicken and sausages of all kinds.
The public utility provider, Empresas Publicas de Medellín or EPM for short, is the sponsoring company each year that puts up the Christmas lights in Medellín. EPM are responsible for many projects in the city that promote community and mobility. The first public Christmas lights in the city took place in Plaza Mayor in 1851; however, it was not until 1955 that the annual display began happening. Their special website dedicated to Christmas lists all the various sponsored routes around town, in which you can view the decorations as well as information about the special events that occur throughout the month. The site even has a countdown clock to Christmas Day as well as videos and a gallery of photos from years past.
Christmas Lights in Medellin
The Christmas lighting in Medellín is not only a spectacle of lights and colour, but also a sample of the solidarity and collaborative spirit of the city. Every year, the event has the participation of hundreds of volunteers and organizations that work together to make this wonderful event possible.
In addition, part of the profits collected during the lighting are allocated to social works and community projects, which demonstrates the city’s commitment to the well-being of its inhabitants.
Christmas in Colombia is a special time of year. Few countries celebrate the Christmas season with as much enthusiasm as they do in Colombia. For the whole month of December, the entire country is alive with vibrant celebrations that include festivals, dancing, family get-togethers and of course lots of eating and drinking.
One thing is for certain is Medellín spares no expense when it comes to filling the city with Christmas lights and festive events every year. Each year seems to become more dramatic than the year before. Medellín has changed a lot since its dark cartel days of the 1980s, and its Christmas lights have been playing a significant role in this transformation, showing the world a new and hopeful city. Each year, more than 4 million tourists visit Medellín during the festival, finding a beautiful, modern and safe city, with all the facilities and attractions a traveller hopes for. It is filled with museums, cultural events and has one of South America’s liveliest nightlife scenes. No need to be out in the cold to enjoy it, as December is mid-summer in Medellín. If you have ever wanted to visit the City of Eternal Spring, the month of December is an excellent choice as locals and travellers come from around the globe to witness the sights and sounds of Christmas in Medellin.
After Christmas in the city, it is time to visit some of the magic pueblos outside Medellín. Guatapé, Jardín and Santa Fe de Antioquia are just a few. All three of these pueblos are picturesque and during the holiday period will be full of lights, colour, and food. So, if you are planning a visit to South America or just looking for some alternative ideas for your holiday celebrations, why not consider spending your Christmas in Colombia?
Like to create or customize a fantastico package tour of Colombia? Use our Plan My Trip page to start planning your dream Colombian vacation now!