A few days before this celebration, Colombians are preparing to officially light Christmas and make their wishes for the new year.
There are only six days left until Colombia experiences one of its most emblematic moments: the Night of Candles, celebration that marks the official inauguration of Christmas in the country. On December 7, millions of families light candles and lanterns that illuminate streets, neighborhoods and homes, creating an atmosphere of union, hope and tradition. But in addition to the light, this date is also surrounded by rituals, wishes and promises What Colombians do to welcome the new year with optimism.
In this season, wishes for 2026 are already beginning to gain strength and many of them reflect the concerns, aspirations and dreams of a country that finds in this night a symbolic opportunity to renew its energy.
A tradition that illuminates the country
The Night of Candles, celebrated every December 7, is one of the most beloved festivities by Colombians. Although its roots have a religious background, commemorating the Immaculate Conception, The tradition has evolved to become a cultural event that brings together families, entire neighborhoods, and entire cities around light.
Lighting a candle is a gesture that symbolizes thank, ask and protect. Families decorate entrances, windows, balconies and platforms with colored candles while sharing custard, donuts and Christmas music. For many, it is the true start of the holiday season: a moment to reflect on what they experienced during the year and project what they expect from the new year.
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The most common wishes for 2026
Every year, the Night of Candles becomes a space for express personal and collective desires. For 2026, these are some of the most popular, according to trends on social networks:
- Health and well-being: It is still the number one wish. Many Colombians hope that next year will come with emotional and physical stability, both for them and their families.
- Better economic stability: With a changing economic landscape, desires for better job opportunities, entrepreneurship and financial stability become protagonists.
- A calmer and safer year: Many ask for a country with less uncertainty, more peace and greater social well-being.
- Love and family union: Christmas revives the importance of family and most wishes are related to maintaining, recovering and cultivating harmony in the home.
- Trips and new projects: Desires linked to discovering new destinations, studying, meeting postponed goals or starting new personal projects also grow.
Generally, making a wish list and burning as you light the candles is a tradition to project these, however, the trend today is closely related to the candle customization, where the wishes or names sublimated in these They have greater significance since they are visible until the candle goes out.
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The most popular customs that remain alive
In addition to lighting candles, Colombians practice other rituals to attract good energy during the coming year. Some choose to light colored candles, each one with a meaning: blue for peace, red for love, green for health, yellow for prosperity. Others prefer raise handmade lanterns or participate in community events where music and light combine with symbolic acts of union.
In several regions of the country, the celebration is accompanied by prayers, thanks or letters that are left next to the candles. Many homes make small family ceremonies where each person shares their wish for the new year, strengthening bonds and creating memorable moments.
