Every December, Colombia revives one of its most cherished and representative Christmas traditions: the novenas de aguinaldos. From Dec. 16 to 24 (Christmas Eve), families, friends, neighbors, and communities gather each evening to share a space of prayer, music, and togetherness that goes far beyond the religious aspect. Deeply rooted in Colombian culture, this custom has become a symbol of unity, celebration, and collective memory.
The novenas mark the countdown to Christmas Eve and, through prayers and reflections, recreate the wait for the birth of the Baby Jesus. Although Catholic in origin, over time, the tradition has evolved into a social practice that brings together people of all ages, including those who do not actively practice the religion.
Origin and meaning of the Novena of Aguinaldos in Colombia
The Novena of Aguinaldos dates back to the 18th century. It was written by Ecuadorian friar Fernando de Jesus Larrea at the request of Doña Clemencia de Jesus Caycedo, founder of the Colegio de La Enseñanza in Bogota. Initially, the novena was conceived as a spiritual practice to prepare the hearts of the faithful for the arrival of Christmas.
Over the years, this tradition became firmly established in the Viceroyalty of New Granada and spread to neighboring countries, turning into an annual custom that blends religious devotion with cultural expressions unique to each region. In Colombia, the novena took on a special character by integrating music, gastronomy, and family gatherings.
The structure of the novena remains unchanged to this day: Each of the nine days (novena) includes fixed prayers, a daily reflection dedicated to different moments leading up to the birth of Jesus, the traditional gozos — sung verses expressing joy — and Christmas carols that enliven the gathering.
@colombia_expats Our first ever TRADITIONAL COLOMBIAN Novena and it was so special 🇨🇴 Novenas start on November 16th and they are celebrated every night for 9 days leading up to Christmas. Each night has its own special symbolism, but no matter what, each of the nights are celebrated with family and friends, delicious food, hymns, prayers, and so much warmth and laughter. We had the most amazing first Novena experience and a huge thank you to @Medellín Travel for having us join you on this very special nice! #novena #novenas #colombia #tiktokcolombia #tiktokcolombia🇨🇴 #medellin #navidad #navidadentiktok ♬ original sound – Nick, Sam, Goose & Mona
A family ritual lived around the table
Beyond the prayers, the novenas of aguinaldos are a space for togetherness and celebration. Each night, after the novena concludes, it is customary to share typical seasonal foods. In most Colombian households, natilla, buñuelos, hot chocolate, bread, hojuelas, and homemade sweets are an essential part of the tradition.
These gatherings strengthen family bonds and allow the tradition to be passed down from generation to generation. Children, young people, and adults take part by singing carols, reading passages from the novena, or helping serve the food. In many homes, the novena is held in a different house each night, reinforcing a strong sense of community.
The final day, Dec. 24, holds special significance. In addition to concluding the novena, many families take advantage of Christmas Eve to exchange gifts, share a more elaborate dinner, and celebrate the arrival of Christmas in an atmosphere of joy and unity.
Novenas in other Latin American countries
Although Colombia is the country where the Novena of Aguinaldos is most deeply rooted and widely celebrated, the tradition is also practiced in other parts of Latin America. In Ecuador, it is celebrated similarly, with prayers and songs that follow the traditional structure. In Venezuela, the novena is observed in some regions, though with less intensity than in Colombia.
In Mexico and several Central American countries, a similar tradition known as Las Posadas takes place in the days leading up to Christmas. Unlike the novena, Las Posadas have a more festive and processional character, recreating Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging through street processions, songs, and community celebrations.
@misaelo_navi_halloween Navidad 2025 Posadas Mexicanas Una posada en México es una celebración navideña, que se lleva a cabo del 16 al 24 de diciembre, y consiste en una procesión que recrea el peregrinaje de María y José buscando posada, seguido de rezos, cantos y una fiesta con comida, bebidas como el ponche y la ruptura de piñatas. #Navidad #Mexico #posadasnavideñas #invierno #paz ♬ Posadas Mexicanas – Niños de Vall de Chalco
Year after year, the novenas of aguinaldos remain one of the most important cultural expressions of Christmas in Colombia. In a diverse and multicultural country, this tradition continues to bring families together around faith, music, and food, reminding everyone that Christmas is also celebrated by sharing time, stories, and affection.