A tradition of faith and hope in Colombia.
News Colombia.
Every December 7, the streets, balconies and parks of Colombia are illuminated with the warm light of candles and lanterns, marking the beginning of the Christmas season with a celebration deeply rooted in the Christian faith: the Day of Candles.
This tradition is not only a symbol of unity and hope, but also a tribute to the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, officially proclaimed by the Catholic Church in the 19th century.
The Day of Candles finds its inspiration in the proclamation of Pope Pius IX, who on December 8, 1854 declared as a dogma of faith that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin.
This announcement, made in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, was received with fervor by the faithful, who lit candles and torches as a symbol of light and hope.
This act of devotion quickly spread to other regions of the world, becoming a recurring practice to honor Mary.
In Colombia, the celebration adopted a cultural dimension that combines the religious with the family, preserving its spiritual essence while adapting to local customs.
The dogma proclaimed in 1854 is also connected to a key episode of the Bible: the Annunciation, narrated in the Gospel of Luke. In this story, the Archangel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will be the mother of Jesus, a message that marked the history of the Christian faith and that continues to be remembered as a call to gratitude and trust in God.
The night of the candles: light that symbolizes union and hope
In Colombia, the Day of the Candles not only celebrates the purity of Mary, but has also become an occasion to strengthen family and community ties.
During the night of December 7, families gather to light candles and lanterns while sharing traditional foods such as buñuelos and custard.
Each candle represents a request, a thank you or a wish. For some, it symbolizes God’s guidance in times of darkness; For others, it is a tribute to Mary as protector and intercessor.
This act, simple but full of meaning, reinforces values such as solidarity, love and peace, fundamental elements in the Christmas spirit.
Beyond tradition: a link with the divine
In addition to its cultural character, Candle Day is an opportunity to reflect on Mary’s role in the history of salvation and renew hope for a better future.
The prayers and songs that accompany the lighting of the candles remind us of the importance of faith and gratitude in everyday life.
Candles, which illuminate the night and warm the spirit, also symbolize the light of Christ, whose birth is celebrated during Christmas.
For many Colombian families, lighting a candle on this date is not only a religious act, but a way to reaffirm their commitment to the values that support the Christian faith.
A legacy that transcends generations
Over time, Día de las Velitas has managed to remain one of the most beloved traditions in Colombia, uniting believers and non-believers around a message of hope and unity.
From the big cities to the smallest towns, this holiday illuminates hearts and communities, marking the beginning of a period full of reflection, love and spiritual renewal.
As the candles burn on the night of December 7, their light transcends the physical, reminding everyone that, even in the darkest moments, faith and hope always prevail.
