HOLIDAYS

 

 A HISTORICAL HOLIDAY

INDEPENDENCE DAY IN COLOMBIA

Purpose:

Independence Day in Colombia, celebrated on July 20th, commemorates the country's declaration of independence from Spanish rule in 1810. The purpose of this holiday is to honor the courage and determination of the Colombian people in their fight for independence and to celebrate the nation's sovereignty.

 

Typical Food:

During Independence Day celebrations, Colombians enjoy various traditional foods. One popular dish is the "bandeja paisa," a hearty platter consisting of rice, beans, ground meat, fried egg, plantains, avocado, and arepas. Other typical foods include empanadas (stuffed pastries), tamales, sancocho (a hearty soup), and buñuelos (cheese fritters).

 

Typical Music:

Colombia is known for its vibrant and diverse music. During Independence Day, traditional Colombian music is often played and celebrated. Cumbia, a popular genre rooted in African and indigenous rhythms, is commonly heard. Vallenato, a folk music style featuring accordion, caja vallenata (drum), and guacharaca (percussion instrument), is also prominent. These lively rhythms and melodies create a joyful atmosphere during the celebrations.

 

Typical Clothing:

Colombian traditional clothing varies across different regions. However, during Independence Day, many Colombians proudly wear traditional garments that represent their cultural heritage. In some areas, women wear vibrant, multi-layered skirts called "polleras" paired with embroidered blouses. Men may dress in white shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and ponchos, reflecting rural or cowboy traditions. These traditional outfits showcase the rich diversity of Colombian culture.

 

Other Traditions:

Apart from enjoying typical food, music, and clothing, Colombians celebrate Independence Day in various ways. Parades featuring floats, marching bands, and traditional dancers are held in cities and towns across the country. Fireworks displays light up the night sky, adding to the festive atmosphere. Additionally, people often gather for community events, concerts, and cultural performances to commemorate this important historical milestone. Family and friends come together to share in the celebrations and take part in patriotic activities that foster a sense of national pride.

A SEASONAL HOLIDAY

NEW'S YEAR DAY IN COLOMBIA

Purpose:

New Year's Day in Colombia, as in many other countries, marks the beginning of the new year according to the Gregorian calendar. It is a time of reflection, celebration, and anticipation for the year ahead. The purpose of New Year's Day is to bid farewell to the old year, express gratitude for the past, and welcome the new year with hope, joy, and optimism.

Typical Food:

Colombians have various traditional foods associated with New Year's Day. Some typical dishes include:

1. Cordero Asado: Roasted lamb is a popular choice for the New Year's Day meal in Colombia. The lamb is seasoned with herbs and spices, then slowly cooked to perfection.

2. Tamales: Tamales are a beloved dish and are commonly eaten during the holiday season, including New Year's Day. They are made from a mixture of cornmeal, meat (such as chicken or pork), and various seasonings. The mixture is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked.

3. Fritanga: Fritanga refers to a variety of fried meats, typically including pork, sausage, and other cuts of meat. It is often served with fried plantains, arepas, yuca, and aji sauce.

4. Buñuelos and Natilla: Buñuelos are small cheese fritters made from corn flour and cheese. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Natilla is a sweet custard-like dessert made from milk, panela (unrefined cane sugar), and cornstarch. Buñuelos and natilla are often enjoyed together as a traditional New Year's Day treat.

Typical Music:

In Colombia, New Year's Day is celebrated with lively and festive music. Traditional Colombian music genres such as cumbia, vallenato, salsa, and merengue are commonly played during New Year's parties and gatherings. These genres feature vibrant rhythms and melodies that encourage dancing and celebration.

Typical Clothing:

While there is no specific traditional attire for New Year's Day in Colombia, people often dress up in festive and stylish clothing. Many choose to wear brightly colored outfits or elegant attire, especially for special New Year's Eve parties and events..

Other Traditions:

In addition to food, music, and clothing, there are other traditions associated with New Year's Day in Colombia:

1. Fireworks: Fireworks displays are a common sight on New Year's Eve and continue into the early hours of New Year's Day. People gather to watch the colorful fireworks that light up the sky, symbolizing the start of the new year with joy and excitement.

2. Año Viejo: The "Año Viejo" tradition involves making effigies or dolls that represent the old year. These dolls are often made from old clothes, newspapers, and other materials. At midnight, the dolls are burned, symbolizing the farewell to the old year and the embrace of new beginnings.

3. Grapes and Lentils: Some people in Colombia follow the Spanish tradition of eating twelve grapes at midnight, making a wish with each grape, representing the twelve months of the new year. Additionally, consuming lentils is believed to bring prosperity and abundance for the upcoming year.

These traditions may vary across different regions of Colombia, but they all contribute to the festive and joyful atmosphere of New Year's Day celebrations in the country.

A RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY

CHRISTMAS IN COLOMBIA

Purpose:

In Colombia, Christmas is a religious holiday celebrated by Christians to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The purpose of Christmas is to honor and rejoice in the birth of Jesus, spreading joy, love, and the message of hope.

Typical Food:

Colombian Christmas cuisine is rich and diverse, with regional variations. Some typical dishes include:
1. Natilla: It is a creamy dessert made from milk, panela (unrefined cane sugar), and cornstarch. Natilla is often served with buñuelos (cheese fritters) or hojuelas (deep-fried dough sprinkled with sugar).
2. Ajiaco: This hearty soup is popular during Christmas time in Bogotá and the surrounding regions. It is made with chicken, various types of potatoes, corn, and herbs.
3. Lechona: A traditional dish consisting of a whole roasted pig stuffed with rice, peas, onions, and spices. It is often served with arepas, a type of cornbread.
4. Tamales: Tamales are wrapped in plantain leaves and made with a mixture of cornmeal, meat (such as chicken or pork), and vegetables. They are steamed and served as a main dish during Christmas.

Typical Music:

Colombian Christmas music reflects the country's diverse cultural heritage. Villancicos, traditional Christmas carols, are an integral part of the celebrations. These carols are sung in churches, homes, and public gatherings. Traditional instruments such as guitars, tambourines, maracas, and flutes accompany the music. Popular Colombian Christmas songs include "Mi Burrito Sabanero" and "Aguinaldo Boyacense."

Typical Clothing:

While there is no specific traditional attire for Christmas in Colombia, people often dress in their best or festive clothing. Some may wear traditional Colombian garments such as ponchos, ruana (woolen cape), or sombrero vueltiao (traditional hat made of cane or palm fibers), which represent different regions of the country.

Other Traditions:

In addition to food, music, and clothing, there are other Christmas traditions observed in Colombia:
1. Novenas: Novenas are special prayers and gatherings that take place for nine consecutive nights leading up to Christmas Eve. Family and friends gather to recite prayers, sing carols, and share food and drinks. Each night, a different household hosts the novena, creating a sense of community and togetherness.
2. Fireworks: Fireworks displays are common during Christmas celebrations in Colombia. They illuminate the night sky, adding a festive and joyful atmosphere to the festivities.
3. Light displays: Many towns and cities decorate their streets, parks, and buildings with elaborate light displays and Christmas decorations. These vibrant displays create a magical ambiance and attract visitors from all around.
4. El Niño Dios: In some regions, it is a tradition to have a representation of baby Jesus (El Niño Dios) as part of the nativity scene. It is often passed down through generations and holds a significant place in the Christmas decorations.
These traditions may vary in different regions of Colombia, but they all contribute to the festive spirit and religious observance of Christmas in the country.