Colombian Holiday Traditions: Christmas, Carnival, Semana Santa, and More

Colombia's diverse regions celebrate rich holiday traditions:

1. Christmas (Navidad): Begins Dec 8 (Día de las Velitas—candles in windows). Nochebuena (Dec 24) family feast with lechona, natilla, buñuelos.
2. New Year's Eve (Año Nuevo): 12 grapes at midnight for wishes; burn "Año Viejo" effigies.
3. Carnival (Carnaval): Feb/Mar before Lent. Barranquilla, Cartagena, Cali host massive parades, music, costumes.
4. Holy Week (Semana Santa): Solemn processions, reenactments; Jueves Santo & Viernes Santo key days.
5. Independence Day (July 20): Parades, patriotic events, fireworks nationwide.

Each region adds unique customs, creating a vibrant national tapestry.