Sandra comes from Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, she has now been a teacher in Bergerac and in France for 16 years, and Juan Pablohe comes from a city in the Colombian mountains, El Cairo, he has been in Dordogne since October as a Spanish language assistant.
Both shared with us their childhood memories, their holiday traditions, in this country located near the equator. The weather is not the same as here in December, the temperatures are milder, but still cool in the mountainous areas. Near the coast, on the other hand, the sun shines and heats the atmosphere up to 30 °!
Colombian traditions
Colombia is a predominantly Catholic country, which therefore celebrates Christmas, and which has many rituals during this period. First, the feast of candles, on the evening of December 7 and December 8, for the Immaculate Conception. Many candles and lanterns are found in the streets all over Colombia.
At Christmas time, it is also the summer holidays in Colombia, many events, decorations, family preparations are to be seen throughout these holidays. You will see Father Christmas there, but it is not him who brings the gifts, it is little Jesus. And the tree, it is also present in Colombian houses, but obviously, it is not real trees that are decorated.
Music, parties and dancing are also on the menu, after the traditional part, it is not uncommon to listen to a little cumbia, for example!
The holiday meal
The whole family participates in the holiday meal in Colombia. To prepare the many cheese donuts: los buñuelos, or even desserts such as natilla, which is a kind of custard.
In the main course, it all depends on where you are in Colombia. If you are on the Caribbean coast, it is more fish and seafood that you will have the opportunity to eat. Elsewhere, the stuffed pig, is a typical dish, or another meat. And finally, on the Amazon side … it will be quite simply what we find in the jungle! To your imagination now …
Felices fiestas!