If you’re wandering through Colombia in December, you’ll quickly notice that Christmas festivities here don’t start on Christmas Eve, they begin nine days earlier, with a beloved tradition called the Novena de Aguinaldos. This 9-day countdown to Christmas blends heartfelt religious devotion, joyful community gatherings, and vibrant music, creating an unparalleled experience in Colombian culture.
Known as “La Novena de Aguinaldos,” this tradition is a cherished cornerstone of Colombian Christmas celebrations. It combines religious devotion with festive cheer and community gatherings. For expats, the Novena is the single most authentic way to experience Colombian culture during the holidays.
What is the Novena de Aguinaldos, and What is its History?
The Novena de Aguinaldos is a cherished nine-day devotional prayer cycle that unites Catholic families and communities across Colombia, and parts of Ecuador and Venezuela, in spiritual and festive preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Eve (December 24th). Far from being a simple prayer, it’s a vibrant cultural cornerstone filled with music, food, and fellowship that defines Colombian Christmas celebrations.
This tradition originated in the 18th century within the Spanish colony of New Granada (now Colombia). Around 1743, the Franciscan friar Fray Fernando de Jesús Larrea wrote the original text at the request of Doña Clemencia de Jesús Caycedo Vélez, founder of the La Enseñanza teaching school in Bogotá. The novena’s nine consecutive days symbolize the Virgin Mary’s pregnancy, adding deep symbolic meaning to each gathering.
Later, in the late 19th century, Sister María Ignacia enriched the tradition by adding the musical elements known as “Los Gozos”, joyful Christmas songs that transform the novena into a lively, heartwarming family festival. Today, the Novena de Aguinaldos embodies Colombia’s beautiful fusion of religious devotion and festive spirit.
When Does the Novena Take Place, and What is the Daily Focus?
The Novena de Aguinaldos is celebrated every year from December 16th to December 24th, culminating on Nochebuena (Christmas Eve). This nine-day celebration reflects the nine months the Virgin Mary awaited the birth of Jesus, making it a spiritually and symbolically rich tradition. On this year, the Novena kicks off on Tuesday, December 16th.
The Daily Preparations: Day-by-Day
Each day of the Novena centers around a unique theme and corresponding scriptural reflection that guides participants through the Advent story toward the Nativity. Understanding the daily focus helps expats appreciate the deeper meanings behind the prayers, songs (Gozos), and gatherings, whether they emphasize devotion, family, joy, or charity. Some days may lean more on social connection and celebration in addition to religious reflection, making each evening both meaningful and festive.
| Day | Date | Theme or Daily Focus |
|---|---|---|
Day 1 |
Tuesday, Dec 16 |
The Annunciation to Mary: Reflection on the moment the Angel Gabriel delivers the news |
Day 2 |
Wednesday, Dec 17 |
The Journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem: Remembering the hardships they faced. |
Day 3 |
Thursday, Dec 18 |
The Posada (Inn): The search for refuge in Bethlehem. |
Day 4 |
Friday, Dec 19 |
The Annunciation to the Shepherds: The angel bringing the good news to the humble shepherds. |
Day 5 |
Saturday, Dec 20 |
The Adoration of the Shepherds: Highlighting the simplicity and devotion of the first visitors. |
Day 6
|
Sunday, Dec 21 |
The Adoration of the Three Wise Men (Kings): Celebrating the arrival of the wise men bearing gifts. |
Day 7 |
Monday, Dec 22 |
The Mirror without Stain: A reflection on Mary as the sinless image of God. |
Day 8 |
Tuesday, Dec 23 |
The King of Nations: Prayer and reflection on Jesus as the Emmanuel. |
Day 9 |
Wednesday, Dec 24 |
Nochebuena (Christmas Eve): The final culmination, celebrating the actual birth of Christ. |
How Do I Participate?
The Novena de Aguinaldos is not just one continuous prayer but a structured ceremony repeated each night for nine days. For an expat, grasping the order helps you join respectfully and know exactly when to sing, when to listen, and when to enjoy the festive food!
What Traditional Colombian Food is Served During the Novena?
The Novena de Aguinaldos wouldn’t be complete without the iconic Colombian Christmas treats, most famously Natilla and Buñuelos. These dishes aren’t just desserts, they’re a vital part of the celebration, where the quality of the food is just as important as the prayers and songs.
Where Can Expats Attend a Novena in Medellín?
The Novena de Aguinaldos is traditionally a family and neighborhood celebration held in private homes, emphasizing community and hospitality by opening doors to friends and neighbors. For expats eager to join this rich tradition, here are the best options:
Accept an Invitation
The most genuine way to experience the Novena is by accepting an invitation from a Colombian friend, coworker, or neighbor. Colombian hospitality is warm and welcoming, making guests feel like part of the family.
The Novena shows you the heart of Colombian community. If you want to experience this warmth every year, you need long-term residency, expatgroup specializes in helping foreigners transition from visitor to resident, managing the Visa and legal process so you can focus on integration.
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Public Venues
For those without personal invitations, numerous public institutions, churches, and shopping centers in Medellín organize scheduled Novena sessions open to everyone
Major Churches
Key churches like the Metropolitan Cathedral of Medellín and large parishes in El Poblado and Laureles often hold Novenas in the early evenings.
Shopping Malls
How Does the Novena Lead to Nochebuena (Christmas Eve)?
The Novena de Aguinaldos reaches its vibrant climax on Day 9, the evening of December 24th, celebrated as Nochebuena (The Good Night) across Latin America. For Colombians, this night is the pinnacle of holiday festivities, often more important than Christmas Day itself.
The Nochebuena Ritual
The Bottom Line: Novena de Aguinaldos: A guide to Participating in 9-Day Ritual
The Novena de Aguinaldos 2025 is much more than a series of prayers. It is a vibrant expression of Colombian warmth, hospitality, and cultural pride that strengthens community bonds during the holiday season. For nine consecutive nights leading to Nochebuena, this tradition invites you to step beyond the tourist lens and immerse yourself fully in one of Colombia’s most cherished celebrations.
From the joyful singing of Villancicos (Christmas carols) to savoring the comforting flavors of Natilla and Buñuelos, the Novena encapsulates the heart and soul of Colombian Christmas. For expats, participating in the Novena offers a genuine entry point into local culture and a deep sense of belonging, something priceless when making Colombia home.
Accepting an invitation to a Novena and learning the words to Los Gozos (the traditional songs) are simple but powerful steps to building lasting friendships and connections within your new community.
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