Colombia has many unique traditions and celebrations throughout the year. Although I have not had the chance to experience many of them yet, the traditions that I have been a part of have been incredible!
The tradition I want to share with you today is el Día de las Velitas (the Day of the Little Candles), which is celebrated all throughout Colombia on December 7. Family and friends celebrate this tradition by getting together during the evening and lighting candles and lanterns around their houses, in the neighborhood and on balconies. Traditionally, for every candle that you light, you are supposed to think of a loved one and say a kind of prayer for them.
This tradition comes from the Catholic faith, which is the main religion throughout Colombia due to its former colonization by Spain. El Día de las Velitas is celebrated on the evening before the Catholic celebration of the Immaculate Conception, which is celebrated on December 8.
