Dia de las Velitas December 7

On this night, people place candles and paper lanterns on windowsills, balconies, porches, sidewalks, streets, parks and squares; in short, wherever we see them, in honor of the Virgin Mary and her Immaculate Conception. On December 8, it is customary for houses to hoist a white flag with the image of the Virgin Mary all day. They also host many events, from fireworks to competitions.

El Día de las Velitas is celebrated throughout Colombia, but traditions vary in each region and city.

In the municipality of Quimbaya, in the department of Quindío, the most important cultural event is the Festival of Candles and Lanterns (full name in Spanish : Fiesta Nacional del Concurso de Alumbrados con Velas y Faroles), which began in 1982 and takes place every year on December 7 and 8. Each of the township's neighborhoods compete to produce the most spectacular lighting arrangements, and many visitors come from all over Colombia to view the displays.

La panthère de Noël de Quimbaya est une figure indigène reconnue par les communautés indigènes et métisses du département de Quindío en Colombie. La croyance en la panthère de Noël (el puma de navidad) s’est développée tout au long de l’histoire de la fête de Quimbaya connue sous le nom d’Alumbrado de Navidad (voir Fête de l’Immaculée Conception), célébrée le 7 décembre en reconnaissance de la croyance catholique en la Immaculée Conception de la Bienheureuse Vierge Marie.

On pense que l’importance du puma provient de l’arrivée de colonialistes ethniquement espagnols d’Antioquia dans la région au cours des années 1850. Les traditions catholiques du colonialiste consistant à utiliser la lumière des bougies pour célébrer l’Immaculée Conception étaient combinées à la croyance de la tribu locale Quimbaya dans l’effet que le feu (luces de fogota) avait pour protéger contre les attaques de panthères, car les pumas et autres animaux locaux craignent le feu.

Thus, in a case of religious syncretism, the Alumbrado de Navidad and the symbolism of the puma to indigenous peoples were linked. It is still common to display the panther symbol (in the form of sculptures in terracotta, fabric, plastic, etc.) in conjunction with the lighting of candles on the night of December 7. Such religious syncretism is particularly visible in the pueblos rural areas of Quindio where many residents claim full or partial descent from the indigenous Quimbaya peoples of the region.

In Bogotá, Christmas decorations reach their peak on this day; the city, fully decorated, provides late night activities for the whole family since most Colombians would be passing through to admire the shows, many streets close to traffic and allowing pedestrians to wander freely and stop to admire the lighting arrangements.

Shopping centers, museums, stores and other public places have extended opening hours. Many shows take place this night, live nativity scenes, Christmas carols, among others.

Dans la région des Caraïbes en Colombie, l’allumage des bougies et des lanternes a lieu aux premières heures du 8 décembre, avant le lever du soleil, au lieu de la veille. Les fervents catholiques se réveillent avant le lever du soleil et allument des bougies avec les membres de leur famille.

Many people decide to stay up all night and party and light the candles before retiring to bed. Families come together to celebrate the day and as well as lighting the candles, there is plenty of food and drink. An evening that brings groups of extended families together to chat during the evening.

In Cali, people from Valle del Cauca also walk along the Cali River which is lit up for the season.