Dec 7 Noche de las Velitas+Dec 28 Feliz Día de Los Inocentes

 On the night of December 7, Colombia’s windows, balconies, and sidewalks come alive in one of the country’s neatest traditions.

It is the Noche de las Velitas, literally the “Night of the Little Candles” in English, sometimes also called the Día de las Velitas, which translates to Day of the Little Candles or Little Candles Day.

Colombia’s day of the candles tradition is connected to the Catholic holy day of the Immaculate Conception, which is on December 8, a day after the night of the little candles on December 7 and a holiday.

The night before, when Colombians all around the country light candles in honor of the Virgin Mary is one of the neatest Colombia Christmas traditions.

https://www.cartagenaexplorer.com/december-7-noche-de-las-velitas-colombia/

INNOCENT DAYS

If you thought the holiday fun ended on the 25th, you haven’t experienced a Colombian Christmas! On the 28th of December, with festive spirits still high, Colombians play cheeky practical jokes and pranks on their friends and family. Innocents Day is a great way to keep the energy up in preparation for New Year. 

This concept may sound a little familiar. Well, that’s because this day is celebrated on April 1st by people in Europe and the United States, in what is called April Fools day!

Just like April Fool’s day, the jokes played on Innocents Day are always light-hearted and intended to make people laugh. Some classic Colombian pranks include switching the sugar for salt, changing the time on the clock, or drawing spiders on the toilet roll. 

After a successful prank, remember to say “feliz Día de Los Inocentes” or (Happy Holy Innocents Day). 

Source:https://panamericanworld.com/en/magazine/travel-and-culture/most-unique-colombian-christmas-traditions/

Colombian Christmas Dinner

Christmas in Colombia culminates with a family meal on Christmas Eve. 

Natilla is a very popular Christmas dessert and is arguably the country’s most cherished Christmas treat. It is a creamy custard dish made with milk that is eaten alongside other holiday favorites like manjar blanco (a caramel-like spread) and buñuelos (fried dough balls, served hot).

Want to try making them at home? This recipe is a good starting place.

You can also try delicious typical foods such as arepas, cold meats, tamales, stuffed chicken and, of course, cakes.

https://blog.remitly.com/lifestyle-culture/christmas-in-colombia/

INGREDIENTS

UNITS: US

BUNUELOS

1

lb white cheese (Queso Fresco from Costco works great)

1 1⁄2

cups cornstarch

2

eggs, beaten

2

tablespoons brown sugar

1⁄2

teaspoon salt

NATILLA

1

quart milk

1 1⁄2

cups cornstarch

3⁄4

lb brown sugar

4 -5

cinnamon sticks or 4 -5 ground cinnamon, to taste

SHOP RECIPE

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DIRECTIONS

BUÑUELOS:

Grind the cheese very finely in food processor.

Mix the cheese with the cornstarch, eggs, brown sugar and salt.

Roll into balls the size of golf balls and drop into medium-hot vegetable oil and fry slowly.

After a few minutes increase temperature and fry until they are golden.

Remove and place on absorbent paper.

NATILLA:

Dissolve the cornstarch in the milk.

Add the brown sugar.

Cook over low heat, stirring constantly. When the sugar is melted and begins to thicken, add the cinnamon.

Continue to cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring constantly.

After 15-20 minutes, fish out the cinnamon sticks (if used), and pour the Natilla onto a very large serving platter or into a large bowl to cool slightly.

Cut the Natilla into chunks and eat with a Buñuelo, taking a bite of the Buñuelo and then the Natilla. Enjoy!

https://www.food.com/recipe/colombian-bunuelos-natilla-239928