La Noche de las Velitas

It has been a tradition in Colombia to light a candle to Our Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Let us remember that the Immaculate Conception is very important for all Americans because she is the patroness of this beautiful country, and for all Colombians as well. In Colombia, the day of the Immaculate Conception has a lot of celebrations, such as First Communions, parties, and different celebrations. One of these celebrations is called La Noche de las Velitas.

La Noche de las Velitas or the Night of the Little Candles is one of the most observed traditional holidays in Colombia. It is celebrated on December 7 & 8, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, which is a public holiday in Colombia. This day is the unofficial start of the Christmas season in the country. On this day, people place candles and paper lanterns on windowsills, balconies, porches, sidewalks, streets, parks and squares; in short, everywhere they can be seen, 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 hold numerous events, from firework shows to competitions.