Navidad en Colombia
Christmas celebration in Colombia
Facts
•Celebration is from Dec. 7-Dec. 25
•Christmas is rooted deeply in Catholic tradition so the Novena starting Dec. 16 is a must. Families unite every night until the 24th of Dec. and pray the Novena. " La Novena de Aguinaldos" is an occasion to get closer to their faith by remembering the birth of Jesus. They sing "Villancicos" (Christmas Carols" and enjoy typical Christmas foods including : coconut rice pudding, fritters, empanadas, natilla, and many other pastires.
•La Nochebuena
Lighting Las Velitas on "El Dia de Las Velitas"
The Lighting of the candles is started at dusk and they are lit on long pieces of wood board to make infinite line and light up houses, churches, complexes, etc.
Natilla
During Christmas Colombians across the country enjoy this dish, it's made with: cinnamon, corn starch, milk, "panela" a hard sweetener from sugar cane, and cloves.