In Colombia, Holy Week is not only a time of religious reflection but also a moment filled with flavors and traditions shared among families. One of the most beloved customs during this season is the preparation and enjoyment of traditional sweets, many of which are made by hand and passed down from generation to generation. This culinary tradition, especially rooted in regions like the Caribbean coast and the Valle del Cauca, turns Holy Week into a true celebration of the senses.
Typical Holy Week sweets in Colombia
During these sacred days, many families come together to prepare homemade sweets using local ingredients such as coconut, papaya, milk, guava, plantain, yam, and candied fruits.
Dulce de leche
@yannistrespalacios DULCE DE LECHE No dejes morir esa tradición de compartir los dulces tradicionales con los tuyos, así que prepárate este dulce de leche delicioso. Instrucciones: Por cada litro de leche 200gr de azúcar. Media cucharada de bicarbonato para 2 litros de leche, pero es opcional. Astillas de canela para realzar el sabor. Al romper hervor comenzar a revolver constantemente, comenzará a cambiar su color. Depende el fuego demoraremos una hora o hora y media revolviendo hasta llegar a la consistencia deseada. #semanasanta #dulcescaseros #dulcestípicos #dulcescolombianos #recetascolombianas #comidacolombiana🇨🇴 #santamarta ♬ sonido original – Yannis Trespalacios
One of the most traditional. It is made by slowly cooking whole milk with sugar and a pinch of baking soda, stirring constantly until it thickens and turns a caramel color. In some regions, cinnamon or vanilla essence is added. It can be served on its own, with fresh cheese, salted crackers, or as a filling for obleas (thin wafers) and pastries.
Coconut sweet (Dulce de coco):
@jeison_rodriguezchef Dulce de coco 🥥 #recetas #barranquilla #yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy #coco #dulce #semanasanta ♬ Barranquillero Arrebatao – Fruko Y Sus Tesos & Wilson Saoko
Very popular along the Caribbean coast. It is prepared by grating fresh coconut and cooking it with panela (unrefined cane sugar) or white sugar, cloves, and cinnamon. It can be white (without panela) or brown (with panela). Cocadas, which are small shaped portions left to dry, are also made from it. Often served with crackers or eaten as a snack.
Green papaya sweet (Dulce de papaya verde):
@primeroelpostre_ Dulce de papaya o caballoto😮💨 Ingredientes: Una papaya bien verde, que esté dura 150 gramos de panela o piloncillo 200 gramos de azúcar Canela al gusto Clavos al gusto Medio vaso de agua 🔥Cocínalo a fuego medio y la papaya va a soltar su jugo, así que eso por no necesita tanta agua. Después de unos 40 minutos a 1 hora vas a ver que se va a cristalizar la papaya. Este dulce queda espectacular y no necesitas estar revolviéndolo mucho👀 #semanasanta #dulcedepapaya #dulcedepapayuela #dulcestipicos ♬ Caballito – Carlos Vives
The papaya is peeled, cut into thin strips or cubes, and left to rest so it firms up. Then it is cooked with sugar, cloves, and cinnamon until it caramelizes. This sweet is served cold and often paired with soft cheese or sweet guava paste.
Yam sweet (Dulce de ñame):
@thesavagefork 🍠DULCE DE ÑAME para semana santa – Comenta tus dulces favoritos👇🏻 • 🧡GUARDA Y COMPARTE esta receta para que no se te pierda • INGREDIENTES 🔸1,5 kg de ñame 🔸1/2 taza de azucar 🔸1 astilla de canela 🔸4 clavitos de olor • Recetas para semana santa
Yam is peeled, grated, and cooked with milk, sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon. This creamy dessert is very common in the Caribbean region. It can be served warm or cold and is often accompanied by salted crackers.
Guava sweet (Dulce de guayaba):
@mayecocina DULCES TRADICIONALES Capítulo 2 ~ DULCE DE GUAYABA . . . . . . . #viralreelschallenge #viral #SEGUIR #semanasanta2024 #dulcestipicos #dulces #traditional #SemanaMayor #guayaba#leches #Guardala #recetasfaciles #tipico#bicadillo #viral #semanasanta2024 ♬ sonido original – MayeCocina
Made with ripe guavas that are cooked and mashed, then mixed with sugar until a thick paste is formed. Once cooled, it is cut into squares or served as a type of jam.
In addition to home preparation, many Colombian cities celebrate sweet festivals that bring together hundreds of people around this culinary heritage. In Cartagena, for example, the Festival del Dulce held in Plaza de los Coches throughout Holy Week is especially famous. There, dozens of matronas (traditional women cooks) offer their cherished recipes from colorful stands, sharing flavors that have survived through time. Other towns like Mompox, Popayán, and Palmira also host artisanal sweet fairs that attract both locals and tourists alike.