Every December, families across Colombia gather to celebrate one of the country's most cherished traditions: the Novena de Aguinaldos. Starting on December 16 and culminating on Christmas Eve, this festive period is not just marked by prayers but also by joyous carols, delicious food, and heartfelt gatherings. It’s all about the anticipation of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ, embedded deeply in Colombian culture.
The Novena de Aguinaldos is celebrated nightly with prayers, reflections, and songs. These gatherings often take place at homes, weaving family ties closer as members prepare their hearts for the festivities. Each night of the Novena has its traditional prayers, which invite participants to reflect on the significance of each day leading to Christmas.
At the heart of these celebrations are two culinary staples: natilla and buñuelos. These simple yet delightful dishes have become synonymous with the Novena. Natilla is a creamy dessert, often prepared with corn flour and milk, delicately flavored with sugar, cinnamon, and even hints of alcohol for those seeking something different. On the other hand, buñuelos are spherical cheese fritters, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering comfort and richness to the celebration.
While natilla and buñuelos traditionally reign supreme, 2024 is expected to welcome new additions to the Christmas table. According to rising trends, arroz con leche, or rice pudding, is gaining attention as the "new star" of the holiday spread. This dish is not only beloved for its comforting flavors but also carries nostalgic ties to family traditions, making it the perfect companion to the more indulgent items like natilla and buñuelos.
Clarifying the origins of the Novena de Aguinaldos, it was established back in the 18th century by the Franciscan priest Fray Fernando de Jesús Larrea. His intent was to create special prayers for families to mark the advent of Christ’s birth, fostering the spirit of generosity and community through the exchanged gifts known as "aguinaldos." It is this blend of spirituality and festivity—grounded with prayer and family bonding—that makes the Novena so significant.
Throughout the nine days, families not only pray and sing carols but also engage in sharing gifts and stories, enhancing the internal and external bonds between them. Carols like "Los Peces en el Río", "Tutaina", and "El Burrito de Belén" fill the air with holiday cheer, uniting people of all ages as they join voices and celebrate.
The Novena is more than mere observance; it’s about the atmosphere created, the love and warmth shared around family tables. Gifts exchanged during these gatherings symbolize not just gratitude but also the joy of togetherness, enhancing the community spirit deeply embedded within Colombian society.
For those participating, setting the stage for their Novena is both thoughtful and elaborate, with homes often adorned with festive decorations, including lights, nativity scenes, and floral arrangements. Each night’s proceedings call for clear organization, beginning with the singing of carols followed by the day’s designated prayers and reflective readings from the Bible.
On the first day, for example, the focus is on the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. Families read passages from Isaiah and Luke, invoking the narrative of hope and the promise of the Savior’s birth. Likewise, subsequent days maintain the theme of expectation and anticipation, with unique reflections tied to characters from the Nativity story, culminating on the ninth day with the celebration of the Epiphany.
A fun twist on the Novena tradition this year includes the opportunity to integrate technology. Various applications are making their way to festive gatherings, enhancing the musical experience. One such app, 'Rassel', allows users to turn their phones.into musical instruments, creating beats and rhythms to accompany their carols, making it easy for everyone to join the celebration regardless of their musical ability.
Food also plays an important role during the Novena. Each gathering includes not only sweet treats like custard and rice pudding but also savory dishes, from empanadas to cheese platters. Many families are now leaning toward lighter, easier-to-prepare options, ensuring they're able to share something with every gathering. Community sharing of recipes and ideas has led to even more diverse culinary traditions, with slight adaptations celebrating the colors and flavors distinct to each household.
To equip family gatherings with the right ambiance, having comforting beverages is key. Commonly, drinks like hot chocolate, coffee, and flavored sodas are served, creating warmth and joy around the dining table. Special drinks such as canelazo, a warm spiced alcoholic beverage, add extra festive flair to the evenings.
Overall, the Novena de Aguinaldos is much more than just religious observance; it’s about fostering relationships, partaking joyfully in shared traditions, and creating beautiful memories. With prayers echoing the streets, songs emanate from every neighborhood, blending spirituality with festive merriment as families prepare for the auspicious birth of Jesus.
With Colombian communities across the globe uniting during the Novena, the essence of this tradition continues to thrive, adapting seamlessly to modern contexts. Whether through treasured family recipes, echoed carols, or new technologies, one thing remains clear: the Novena de Aguinaldos brings the spirit of Christmas to life, ensuring the legacy of togetherness and joy carries on for generations.
