TL;DR: Día de las Velitas, or Little Candles Day, is celebrated across Colombia on the night of December 7. Families light candles and paper lanterns to honor the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary and mark the unofficial start of the Christmas season. The next observance falls on December 7, 2026.
For Colombian-American families, educators, and anyone curious about Latin American traditions, Día de las Velitas offers a beautiful entry point into Colombia’s culture and faith. This guide explains the holiday’s origins, how it’s celebrated, and simple ways to honor the tradition here in the United States.
When Is Día de las Velitas in 2026?
Día de las Velitas takes place on the night of December 7, 2026. The celebration begins at sundown and continues until sunrise on December 8, which is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. December 8 is an official public holiday in Colombia, according to Wikipedia’s entry on the Day of the Little Candles.
Although December 8 is the religious feast day itself, Colombians consider the night of December 7 the true start of the festivities. Many communities treat it as the unofficial opening of the Christmas season, even though the official liturgical start of Advent falls on the First Sunday of Advent.
What Is the History Behind Día de las Velitas?
The holiday traces back to a specific moment in Catholic history. On December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX formally declared the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary as church dogma through the apostolic constitution Ineffabilis Deus, according to Vatican News and the Holy See’s archives. News of the declaration reached Colombia, and candles were lit across the country to mark the announcement.
Over time, the Catholic Church in Colombia kept the candle-lighting custom alive and turned it into an annual tradition, according to Wikipedia, citing a 2005 report from El Colombiano. What started as a spontaneous celebration became a nationwide ritual passed down through generations.
Is There a Connection to Hanukkah?
Some regions of Colombia, particularly the Paisa region in Antioquia, celebrate Velitas over several nights rather than just one. Wikipedia notes a belief that this extended celebration may derive from Hanukkah traditions, pointing to the area’s crypto-Jewish heritage as documented by eSefarad in 2011. This connection is a cultural hypothesis rather than a confirmed historical fact, but it adds an interesting layer to the holiday’s regional variations.
How Do Colombians Celebrate Día de las Velitas?
The celebration centers on light. As evening falls on December 7, families place candles and paper lanterns, known as farolitos, in windows, doorways, sidewalks, and front yards. The goal is visibility: lights should be seen by neighbors and passersby, turning entire streets and neighborhoods into glowing displays.
The Archdiocese of Bogotá describes how the tradition varies by region, but the common thread is that towns and cities across Colombia light up homes, malls, and public spaces starting the night of December 7. Some areas host fireworks displays or friendly competitions over the most creative lantern arrangements, though specific event details vary widely by city and year.
What Happens on December 8?
Once the sun rises on December 8, the candles and lanterns give way to a new symbol: the flag. Many Colombian households fly a white flag bearing an image of the Virgin Mary throughout the day, according to the Archdiocese of Bogotá. In different parts of the country, this flag may also include blue coloring alongside the image of Our Lady. The flag-flying custom continues the day’s religious significance while visually marking the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
How Can Colombian-American Families Celebrate Velitas in the US?
Families living in the United States can honor Día de las Velitas while keeping safety and practicality in mind. Here are a few general suggestions:
- Choose LED candles or lanterns. Battery-powered options recreate the glow of traditional candles without the risk of an open flame, especially useful indoors or near curtains and decorations.
- Supervise any open flames closely. If you do use real candles, never leave them unattended, and keep them away from flammable materials, pets, and small children.
- Decorate windows and entryways. Placing lights where they’re visible from the street echoes the Colombian tradition of lighting up neighborhoods together.
- Share the story with family. Use the evening as a chance to talk with children about the Immaculate Conception, Colombian heritage, and what the holiday means to loved ones back home.
- Connect with Colombian communities. Many US cities with large Colombian populations host informal gatherings or church events around December 7 and 8. Check with local parishes or cultural associations for specifics in your area.
These are general ideas for observing the spirit of the holiday respectfully, not official event listings, since celebrations will look different depending on where you live.
Keeping Family Connections Strong During the Holiday Season
Día de las Velitas is, at its heart, a celebration of family and community. For many Colombian-American households, the holiday season also means sending support back home, whether that’s funding a family gathering, covering a loved one’s expenses, or simply sharing in the joy of the season from a distance.
Remitly makes it easy to send money to Colombia quickly and securely, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Whether funds are needed for a holiday celebration or everyday support, Remitly’s app lets you choose from multiple delivery options, including bank deposit, cash pickup, and mobile wallets, so your loved ones can receive help in the way that works best for them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Día de las Velitas
What does “Día de las Velitas” mean?
Día de las Velitas translates to “Day of the Little Candles” in English. The name reflects the central tradition of lighting candles and lanterns on the night of December 7.
Why is Día de las Velitas celebrated on December 7?
December 7 is the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 8. Colombians light candles on the evening before to mark the start of this religious observance and the Christmas season.
Is Día de las Velitas a public holiday in the US?
No. Día de las Velitas is a Colombian tradition and public holiday observance tied to December 8 in Colombia. It is not an official holiday in the United States, though Colombian-American families and communities often celebrate it informally.
What is the safest way to celebrate with candles?
Using battery-powered LED candles or lanterns is a safer alternative to open flames, particularly for families with children or pets. If real candles are used, they should never be left unattended.
Is the Hanukkah connection to Velitas confirmed?
No. It is a belief noted by some sources, including Wikipedia, linking the extended multi-night celebrations in Colombia’s Paisa region to the area’s crypto-Jewish heritage. It is not a verified historical fact.
