CHRISTMAS IN THE COFFEE REGION
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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 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.
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 families and houses will line the streets with candles they light to bring good fortune. Share a warming shot of aguardiente and light a little candle for good luck.
Then, from December 16th, Novenas will begin, which are a Catholic tradition that includes everything from special carol singing to huge feasts or banquets.
The most important celebration of the holiday season takes place on Christmas Eve in Colombia. On this day, the entire family gets together for a meal, games, and a gift exchange. After all the festivities of the day, families usually go to a midnight mass, and some people will stay up all night continuing their celebrations.
After an entire day and night of celebrating on the 24th, Christmas Day in Colombia usually finds people relaxing, eating delicious leftovers, and spending time with the family.
The diversity of the country is at the core of its celebrations. From cumbia on the Atlantic coast to coffee traditions in the mountains, to Afro-Colombian history on the Pacific coast. Whatever may be being celebrated, Colombians never do anything half-heartedly. There will be parades, music, and ever-flowing aguardiente.
The Eje Cafetero, or Coffee Cultural Landscape, truly comes alive with festive cheer during the Christmas season. The cities of the Coffee Region, Pereira, Armenia, and Manizales offer a Christmas full of natural beauty and coffee traditions. While Medellín in the neighbouring Antioquia department is famous for its massive Alumbrados (Christmas lights), the towns and pueblos of Quindío and the wider Eje Cafetero departments of Risaralda and Caldas offer charming and authentic Christmas experiences.
QUIMBAYA, QUINDÍO
A small pueblo just northwest of Armenia, in the heart of the Quindío department, el Día de las Velitas takes on its own, unique form. Locals refer to the tradition as la fiesta de velas y faroles, or the festival of candles and lanterns. They take the festivities to another level with lanterns in addition to candles.
Regional artisans work to painstakingly create individual, ornate lanterns that illuminate each town block through the night of December 7th. It takes more than one hundred lanterns to light up each town block, making for over 40,000 lanterns in total. The regional tradition is so special that in 2009 it was deemed of intangible cultural heritage of the department of Quindío by the national Ministry of Culture.
This is a spectacular sight with a magical atmosphere created by the candles and fireworks, which has been celebrated by generations. In addition, there is wonderful festive cuisine along with infectious music and delightful street entertainment.
SALENTO, QUINDÍO
This alluring and delightful colonial pueblo is the most popular of all in the Eje Cafetero. It is adorned with traditional lights and decorations and while it is not on the scale of Quimbaya, it possesses its own distinctive charm. The central plaza is an incredible sight with the balconies enveloped in sparkling lights and festive music swirling through the air.
A special evening to stroll the streets and enjoy the traditional treats on offer, including buñuelos and natilla.
ARMENIA, QUINDÍO
As the Department capital, Armenia has more extensive urban lights illuminating its numerous parks and main avenues. Enjoy walking through the illuminated areas, shopping, and taking part in various community events that might be organized by the city.
The Park of Life, Parque de la Vida, is often a focal point for Christmas lights and decorations. There are festive adornments throughout the city’s main commercial areas and plazas.
PEREIRA, RISARALDA
The city has an extensive display of lights and festive displays. Similar to Armenia, the plazas, particularly those of Bolívar and Victoria, are ablaze with coloured lights and impressive displays. There are the traditional Christmas decorations of cribs and religious figures, often with a Colombian twist – palm trees generously flashing lights.
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There are numerous festivals and activities throughout December, including a Natilla Festival. Nativity scenes are to be found in commercial malls, churches and many restaurants. The Novena de Aguinaldos is particularly important here.
MANIZALES, CALDAS
The capital of the Department of Caldas puts on an impressive city wide illumination with an emphasis on Christmas traditions. Well known for these displays, the Día de las Velitas is truly amazing with candles lit everywhere.
Beyond the lights, Manizales, like other Eje Cafetero cities, celebrates the Novenas with community gatherings, food, and carols. Christmas Eve is the main celebration, often with a large dinner, gift exchange (Baby Jesus brings the gifts) and fireworks. A lively atmosphere with music and dance occurs throughout the season.
General Christmas Activities & Traditions Common Across the Eje Cafetero:
Día de las Velitas (December 7)
As previously mentioned, this is a universal celebration in Colombia, but particularly strong in Quindío.
Novenas de Aguinaldos (December 16 – 24)
Nine nights when friends and families gather for the singing of villancicos (Christmas carols).
Traditional festive foods are shared among participants.
Noche Buena (December 24)
The central event of the Christmas celebrations.
Fancy dinners, gift giving, fireworks and music.
Alumbrados Navideños (Christmas lights) are illuminated in every pueblo, no matter the size.
Plazas and main streets are colourful and dazzling.
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