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The fifth largest country in all of Latin America and the second most populated Spanish-speaking people. The official name of Colombia is The Republic of Colombia, and its capital is Bogota. Currently their population is over 48 million to fill their 439,619 square miles! Like the United States, Colombia is a democracy and run by a President.

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Colombia is a land of diverse extreme climates. Starting with snow capped volcanos to the tropical beaches on their coasts. Then in between they have deserts and large grasslands. They also have jungle in their south land.

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Colombia's people are as diverse as it's landscape. Though most groups come from three ethnic backgrounds, like Indians and African people-brought to Colombia as slaves-and Europeans. Having such a diverse pool of people also makes such a good diverse mix of culture, food, dance, music, etc.

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Colombia Country Profile - National Geographic Kids

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Christmas for Colombia is a very special thing. While they knew about Santa Clause, he never came around to Colombia. Christmas is all about el niño Jesus (Jesus Christ). They gather with family and enjoy music, caroling, being by the nativities, and being in each others company.

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This is a day to commemorate the day that Cartagena received it's Independance. Cartagena is a city on the coat of the Mediterranean. For a long time, Spain had control of the city. This was such a big deal because Cartagena was used as a major slave market. Finally in 1811, Cartagena got its freedom. Every year they hole a grand festival to celebrate freedom.

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This miraculous holiday is celebrated on November 1. "This holiday is celebrated in honor of all the saints of the Christian faith." Roman Catholics and many other Christians celebrate the saints that have gone to heaven on this day. All Saints Day is on the first Sunday after the Pentecost.

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This holiday is for celebrating the Virgin Mary. "Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, “full of grace” through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854:

The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin." Jimmy Akin

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Colombian Christmas and New Year's Traditions

All Saints’ Day: The history and traditions behind the holiday, CNN

Cartagena | Colombia, Map, History, & Facts | Britannica

Independence of Cartagena in Colombia in 2024

“8 Things You Need to Know About the Immaculate Conception.”  National Catholic Register

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3: Colombia's traditions and flavors of the holidays

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3: Colombia's traditions and flavors of the holidays

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Music is something very special to Colombians. It's not just something that have or they can do, but it's in them. In Colombia music and dance is in plazas, streets, homes, restaurants, festivals, and anywhere else you can think. And each religion in the country has its own music. Cali, Colombia has a festival December 25-December 30 and they have at least 1,000 salsa dancers for this single festival on top of other musicians and dancers all around! With the Colombian festivals luring 15,000 people to their festivals because of their music and dancing all year long, the people have learned to have the music as a local thing.

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During the Christmas season Colombia spares no expenses! They string up lights and decorate plazas and roads and enjoy drinks, champagne, grapes, etc. Here are a few of the meals Colombians like to make for the season:

Natilla Colombiana (Colombia-Style Pudding)

Buñuelos (Colombian Buñuelos)

Lechona Tolimense (Colombian-Style Stuffed Pork)

Pernil de Cerdo (Colombian Style Roasted Pork Leg)

Sabajón (Colombian-Style Eggnog)

Torta Negra Colombiana (Colombian Black Cake)

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Colombian Christmas and New Year's Traditions

A Music Lover's Guide To Festivals in Colombia

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During the holidays, my family sparsely puts up decorations, unlike Colombia who love to make everything look bright and colorful. My family also loves to travel over the season, like Colombia, we travel to see family wherever they may be. Something that Colombia has that my family doesn't have is their delicious Colombian food, while my family usually goes to eat at Texas Roadhouse. Overall, Colombia celebrates united and with family. They love to dance and music and share joy with each other. Mostly, my family does the same.