The Noche de las velitas is one of the most important festivities of the Christmas period in Colombia and is celebrated every 7 December in the streets, squares and parks of the cities.
This festive day originated in 1854, when Pope Pius IX proclaimed 8 December as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and thousands of pilgrims participated in the vigil on 7 December, lighting candles and candle holders. Initially, eight candles were lit on the night of 7 December, one for each day preceding 8 December. However, as time went on, the celebration became more closely linked to Christmas and families started lighting 12 candles, one for each month of the coming year.
This festivity, although religious in origin, has become a full part of Colombian culture.
During the Noche de las velitas people light candles and coloured candles together with their loved ones and make wishes for the coming year. These lights represent the light of faith and the hope of Christmas.
The next day, white flags are usually hung in honour of the Immaculate Conception.
