06/12/2021
'Christmas Season Kicks Off'
Originally starting off as a Catholic holiday, El Dia de las Velitas originated with Pope Pius IX in 1854 and signifies the feast of the immaculate conception of Virgin Mary. On the eve of December 8, Catholics all over the world celebrate this feast and those in Colombia light candles in homage and respect.
Fast forward to modern times and El Dia de las Velitas has become the official kick-off holiday to the Christmas season as well as a day of wishes where each candle represents a wish. As such, on the very same night, onlookers can see locals congregate in parks, public areas and sidewalks placing multicolored paper lanterns and various candles outside and saying their wishes into the night.
As time went on the holiday has lost some religious connotation and has instead become a symbol for gathering with loved ones and wishing each other good luck for the upcoming year.
