The 2024 Colombian Christmas Novena kicked off on December 16, marking the beginning of one of the country’s most cherished traditions. From this point until December 24, families and friends will gather daily to celebrate the Novena, which involves prayers, songs, and traditional foods, creating joy and fostering community ties during the festive season.
During the Novena, participants engage in various practices, including reading specific prayers—and for many, this marks the highlight of the season. On each day of the Novena, there are distinct themes, with the first day focusing on the creation and the announcement of Jesus’ birth, as highlighted by popular popular belief: “La Novena de Navidad arranca este 16 de diciembre.” This special day sets the tone for the following nine days of preparation.
Families often start each session with initial prayers inviting the Holy Spirit to bless the gathering. The prayers typically include petitions directed toward peace, joy, and unity within families, along with preparations for Jesus’ arrival. According to traditions, “Es la mejor prenda de tu amor, para que, encarnado y hecho nuestro hermano en las entrañas de la Virgen, naciese en un pesebre para nuestra salud y remedio.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of these gatherings.
On the first evening, one might expect to find children and adults alike filled with anticipation, ready to begin the prayers and sing traditional carols. Elements such as the reading of the Gospel—from the announcement of the birth of Jesus to stories illustrating his life—play key roles each night. Family members contribute to these readings, often inspired by the spirit of the season and the anticipation of the celebrations to follow.
Another important component is the community feeling generated through the singing of traditional Christmas songs or villancicos, which vary by family and region yet intend to evoke warmth and joy. Popular songs like “Mi Burrito Sabanero” and “Noche de Paz” can be heard ringing throughout homes, enhancing the festive atmosphere and creating memorable moments among those gathered.
Each night, following the prayers, families may also share traditional Colombian dishes, such as buñuelos, natilla, and pan de Navidad. Sharing these foods not only delights the palate but also symbolizes the unity and joy experienced during this festive period. It is common for families to integrate their favorite holiday foods or to create new traditions to celebrate together.
Though the rituals may vary slightly from one household to another, the spirit remains constant—people gather to recount the miraculous story of Jesus’s birth, reflecting deeply on the messages of love, hope, and familial bonds. These gatherings are punctuated by engaging activities such as lighting candles, setting up the nativity scene, and decorating Christmas trees, all of which serve to keep attendees focused on the core themes of the Christmas season.
The Novena also presents opportunities for personal reflection, where individuals within the family are encouraged to think about their lives and relationships. Sharing prayers, reading scripture, and meditating on the significance of the season allow participants to align their hearts and minds with the values espoused through the Advent celebrations.
Throughout the nine nights of the Novena, community bonds deepen, and friendships are renewed, as many use this time to recommit themselves to values like empathy and kindness. The prayers serve as reminders of the spirit of giving and love, asking everyone to express gratitude for the blessings received throughout the year.
Upon reaching Christmas Eve, the culmination of this festive period brings about great excitement, as families join for the final night of the Novena, which culminates with midnight mass celebrating Jesus’ birth. This collective worship emphasizes the importance of communion with one another and with their faith.
For many Colombians, the Novena is not merely a series of prayers but rather serves as the heartbeat of their holiday season, nurturing the spirit of togetherness and community. Looking forward to the joy of Christmas, families enter this season with open hearts, ready to share love, laughter, and memories, solidifying the Novena’s status as one of the most important traditions of the Colombian Christmas celebration.
