Have you ever heard about the Day of the Little Candles?
This religious day is celebrated across Colombia every year. It happens the day before a public holiday, which recognizes a well-loved saint and marks the start of the festive season.
If you’ve ever visited Colombia at this time of year and seen candles lining the streets, this is your chance to find out why!
History of Day of the Little Candles
In 1854, Pope Pius IX declared that the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary would become a firmly held truth (known as a dogma) in the Roman Catholic church.
The Immaculate Conception refers to the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception began to be observed on December 8, although there were many who were in favor of the idea going back as far as the 11th century!
When the Pope made his announcement 170 years ago on December 7, 1854, the people who believed in it rejoiced and lit up the night sky with candles.
So, the tradition of lighting candles the night before the Feast of the Immaculate Conception became an annual tradition in Colombia and has only grown in popularity since.
Day of the Little Candles is also known as “Immaculate Conception Eve” or Noche de las Velitas (“Night of the Little Candles” in Spanish).
Today, people in Colombia continue to celebrate this religious holiday by lighting candles in parks and streets and on their balconies and windows.
In the capital of Bogotá, Christmas lights and decorations are also on full display at this time of year – adding to the colorful and festive vibe!
How to celebrate the Day of the Little Candles
Whether you live in Colombia or want to get into the spirit of Christmas, there are plenty of ways to do this.
Light candles or lanterns.
Why not light some candles and lanterns on December 7? You can use tea lights or other candles in and around your home.
Host family and friends for a meal.
If you want to mark the start of Christmas in a special way, cook a meal for your nearest and dearest. This is one of the many ways Colombians celebrate on December 7.
Dress up and go dancing.
Another popular tradition in Colombia is wearing your finest clothes and dancing with your loved ones.
Day of the Little Candles FAQs
What do people eat on the Day of the Little Candles?
People eat candies, Colombian rice with chicken, and a Colombian flan known as natilla.
It’s typical for families to come together to share these foods over dinner.
When does Day of the Little Candles begin and end?
The celebrations begin at sunset on December 7 and end when the sun rises on December 8.
Some people light candles in the evening of December 7, while others wait until midnight on December 8.
Do people in other parts of the world celebrate the Day of the Little Candles?
Catholics worldwide, including those in Argentina, Italy, and Spain, celebrate the Immaculate Conception on December 8.
However, the Day of the Little Candles is an exclusively Colombian tradition.
5 Fun Facts About Candles
Candles have been used in celebrations for more than 5,000 years.
The creation of modern candles has been attributed to French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul and inventor Joseph Morgan.
World Candle Month is celebrated in September.
During the 1980s and 1990s, there was a huge surge in the demand and popularity of candles.
The candle industry is worth more than $10 billion a year.
The Day of the Little Candles has been celebrated in Colombia ever since the Pope declared the acceptance of the Immaculate Conception dogma.
Candles and lanterns brighten up the streets of Colombia every year for this special day.
And it’s not just about lights; people also eat, dance, and celebrate together as they mark the start of the Christmas holidays!
