The evening usually starts with a big dinner, featuring traditional dishes -- similar to what we do on Thanksgiving. Then, at midnight families gather to open up gifts. Rumor has it that there are more fireworks so I guess I willstay tuned for that!
People light candles on Día de las Velitas to honor the Virgin Mary, specifically to celebrate the Immaculate Conception, a Catholic holiday on December 8th. The candles represent hope, faith, and a way to ask for blessings. Lighting the candles also creates a beautiful, peaceful atmosphere, marking the beginning of the Christmas season in Colombia. It's a tradition that brings families and communities together in a joyful way.
In Colombia, Christmas Eve is celebrated on December 24th instead of December 25th because of the tradition that the Christmas celebration starts on the night before Jesus' birth. According to Christian belief, Jesus was born at night, so families gather to celebrate and prepare for Christmas Day starting at midnight.
The focus on December 24th is also a time for family to come together, share a meal, attend church services, and celebrate with joy and love. In many Latin American cultures, the night before Christmas is considered the most important time for Christmas celebrations, making it a night full of special moments and traditions.
