“Navidad” Colombian Style
By: William Bolivar

There is something absolutely magical about Christmas, particularly if you come from a Latin Country for our culture is unique in celebrating the holiday season. Typically, we combine praying with food and dance. Very appropriate! We all have many reasons to celebrate, the birth of Christ, the good times and the bad times, for they make us stronger. The special moments we have shared with our loved ones, (some of whom may no longer be with us) many times brings us back to an equally warm and nostalgic past, la musica parrandera, Villancico Christmas melodies, a natural Christmas tree and the traditional food, are some of the reasons why Christmas Colombian style is particularly unique. Although, there is a special day commemorating the arrival of the wise men (January 6th), people still like to share presents on Christmas day, December 25th.

Las Tradiciones
Colombia, a country of 40 million people, officially begins its Fiesta Decembrina with The Candle Light Day or Dia De Las Velitas, on December 7th and 8th, which honors La Virgen Maria, in which all the neighborhoods throughout the country light candles placing them on walkways and on the edges of the streets. Also, la Musica Parrandera breaks the season, Novenas and Villancicos are an official part of the celebrations too. Each region has its own traditions, the northern part of Colombia “La Costa” which comprises cities such Cartagena, Barranguilla and Santa Marta, celebrate with musica Vellencata. A holiday Turkey dinner, Lechon, Tamales de Arroz, Ayacas the popular Caribanolas and Butifarras meat pies complete a delicious food array.

In Barranquilla on new years eve, people always wait for the incredible giant whistle sound of Cerveceria Aguila, to mark the beginning of the new year. The rather cold Capital City of Bogota, gets its warmest time of the season and celebrates with lots of Pollo and Lechon, Tamales and for dessert, a gift from the Sweet Cauca Valley State “El Manjar Blanco”. Speaking of the Cauca Valley State its capital city Cali, called “Heaven’s Branch City” and other surrounding towns such Palmira and Buga, are known for its “Sugarish” celebrations. Famous for their beautiful women (a true fact) and its liking for the Salsa Rythms, (Grupo Niche and Guayacan are from Cali). El Calle del Cauca enjoys great Tamales made with pork meat, Lechon, Dulce de Brevas (Desamargado) Arequipe and Arroz de Leche.

Another popular region, famous for its gorgeous flowers and rich land, is Medillin, Capital of Antioquia State, also called “City of the Eternal Spring” and birthplace of Colombia’s parrandera music. Its people are unique characters called “Paisas” known for their creativity and hard work. In Paisa country the King and Queen of Navidad were also born: “El Bunuela y La Natilla” which is enjoyed by Colombians from all over. The Sancocho de Gallina (Hen Stew) with corn cakes and avocados (Arepas y Aguacates) with a latter cup of Mazamorra and Guava Bocadillos or Sugar Cane Panela are a real treat! The Pasteles de Gloria are heavenly and the popular alcoholic Chicha drink, made of fermented sugar corn will get anyone in the right mood. The typical parranda drink is the Aguardiente Antioqueno, made mostly of fermented sugar cane and annizette. If you come from La Costa you will mostly drink Ron Blanco or Tres Esquinas. If you live in Cali, you will drink Aguardiente Blanco and if you are in Bogota, you will probably drink Aguardiente Nectar, in Manizales you will drink Aguargientes Cristal, but according to the Colombian Department of Commerce, the most popular Aguardiente in the country is the Aguardiente Antioqueño, “the real thing”..some say!

Christmas and New Years Celebrations are a little different in Colombia, than in other countries, for it is not the time for spiritual relaxing, but for cheering, dancing and rejoicing. We pray to the Almighty for Colombians to enjoy a Christmas full of Peace and Love, not only in our country, but in the entire world.

Feliz Navidad para todos y que sus sueños se hagan realidad con la llega del Nuevo Ano!