Dia de Velitas is a country-wide holiday steeped in tradition and respect. Citizens celebrate it over the span of a couple days to wish wellness and prosperity on there families.
On December seventh through eighth, Colombians celebrate Dia de Velitas (Day of the Candles), which is a holiday where families and friends gather to pray and light candles for the health and wellbeing of their loved ones. Families will buy candles and light them outside of their doorstep or in a park in honor of someone. This year, I celebrated Dia de Velitas in a town named Villa de Leyva. This town is known for its colonial architecture and its big celebration of Dia de Velitas by organizing big firework shows and decorating the town square. People from all over the country travel to Villa de Leyva, a town in the department of Boyaca, to celebrate Dia de Velitas.
Colombia is a very religious country. Most Colombians are Catholic and thus have a lot of holidays that are related to Catholic holidays. On the eve of the Immaculate Conception (a Catholic holiday), Colombians celebrate Dia de Velitas.
