Discover the Magic: Top 7 Fun Facts About Christmas in Colombia You Never Knew!

1. Fruit Salad Fiesta

Rumor has it that Colombians are such party enthusiasts that they can turn fruit salad into a festive affair: On "Noche Buena", or Christmas Eve, they indulge in a delectable dessert called "Dulce de Noche Buena", made with fruits like papaya, figs, and lime in syrup, and served alongside almojábanas, cheese, hojuelas, and buñuelos, while dancing and partying with their loved ones until sunrise.
Source => mycolombianrecipes.com

2. Medellín's Dazzling Christmas Lights

Who turned on the lights? Colombia did, and they're not turning them off anytime soon: In Medellín, Colombia, the annual El Alumbrado Navideño (the Christmas Lighting) is a spectacular event that runs from December 7th to early January, featuring millions of dazzling Christmas lights, captivating light shows, and cultural celebrations that have brightened the city since 1851.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

Did you know that in Mexico, a seven-pointed star piñata helps conquer the seven deadly sins during Christmas? Discover how this festive tradition signifies the triumph over vices and showers everyone with candy and toys!

=> Fun Facts about Christmas-In-Mexico

3. Prankster's Paradise on Holy Innocents Day

In Colombia, they don't just put baby in a corner, they put pranks in every nook and cranny: December 28th marks the Holy Innocents Day or "Día de los Inocentes," a celebration that pays homage to the massacre of male children in Bethlehem, but with a twist of humor, as Colombians indulge in playful, harmless practical jokes like swapping sugar for salt, meddling with clocks, or sticking notes on people's backs, ensuring everyone shares grins and giggles.
Source => colture.co

4. Cheesy Dough Balls for the Holidays

It's no cheesy affair, but Colombians sure know how to "roll" with the dough during Christmas time: During the Novena of Aguinaldos, they enjoy buñuelos, small fried dough balls made with cheese and cassava flour, while they pray, sing carols, and celebrate the holiday season together.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

5. Candlelit Caroling on Día de las Velitas

In Colombia, they've really upped the wick when it comes to illuminating Christmas festivities: On December 7th, Día de las Velitas (Day of the Candles) takes center stage, as the entire country twinkles with candles placed at doors and neighborhood streets to guide the Virgin Mary's way. This day is also a great opportunity for carolers to bask in the warm light and indulge in crispy buñuelos, as they bring to life the words of Engelbert Humperdinck's classic tune - "Please light my fire!"
Source => curiouscuisiniere.com

6. Ruffled Ankle Party Attire

When holiday fashion in Colombia goes all out, even the pants get the party started with some ruffled ankle action: During the Christmas season, Colombians often wear traditional attire such as pollera colora, a vibrant skirt with a lacy or ruffled blouse for women, and men donning colorful trousers featuring ruffles around the ankles, accompanied by eye-catching capes and headdresses.
Source => babogenglish.wordpress.com

7. Colombian Christmas Alchemy: Natilla

In a sugary tale of Christmas alchemy, Colombian magicians turn dark, syrupy by-products into creamy, festive delights: Behold natilla, a traditional Colombian Christmas dessert made with panela, a molasses-esque sugar that comes from sugarcane, transformed into a thick custard by cornstarch wizards and frequently accompanied by round, deep-fried cheese fritters known as buñuelos. Some culinary sorcerers even enhance the enchanted creation with mystical ingredients like shredded coconut, raisins, or nuts!
Source => thespruceeats.com