Celebrated every year on December 7, Día de las Velitas marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Colombia. It is one of the most cherished traditions in the country, a night filled with candles, family gatherings, and special moments that light up entire neighborhoods.
For Colombians living abroad, this day can bring a mix of nostalgia and pride. Even if you’re far from home, there are meaningful ways to keep the traditions alive and celebrate with your loved ones. The Pangea Pros bring you a guide with different ways to stay connected and support the people you love in Colombia.
Light Up Your Own Velitas at Home
Many physical and online stores sell candles this time of year, so make sure to get your favorites ahead of time, especially colors or shapes that remind you of home. On December 7, set them up in a safe outdoor space like your porch, balcony, or front walkway, and recreate the glow of the velitas your family lights in Colombia.
Arrange them just as you remember: lining a pathway, placing them in glass jars, or setting them around a small nativity scene or holiday decoration. If you don’t have real candles, LED options or handmade paper lanterns still bring warmth and meaning to the moment.
Lighting your own velitas isn’t just symbolic, it helps you feel emotionally connected to your family’s celebration. Take a photo or short video and share it with your loved ones. Seeing your candles from afar becomes a simple but powerful reminder that traditions can travel with you, no matter where you are.
Join a Virtual Velitas Gathering
Coordinate with your family to have a video call during the celebration so you can share the moment in real time. Even if you’re miles away, lighting the candles at the same time creates a powerful sense of togetherness. You can pray, make wishes for the new season, or simply talk about your favorite memories of past Decembers in Colombia.
If your family sets up decorations, ask them to give you a quick tour on camera, it’s a sweet way to feel like you’re right there with them. You can also show how you decorated your own space and share your candles or lanterns on screen.
For many families, this virtual tradition becomes something to look forward to every year. Even a 10-minute call can make the holiday feel more special and help bridge the distance with warmth and connection.
Cook the Traditional Holiday Favorites
Día de las Velitas wouldn’t be the same without the flavors that bring the season to life: buñuelos, empanadas, natilla, and other holiday treats that remind you of home. If you’re abroad, try making them using your family’s recipes or ask your mom or grandma to share their tips during a call.
If cooking from scratch isn’t an option, many Latin markets sell mixes for natilla and buñuelos or have freshly prepared holiday foods you can enjoy. Sharing these treats with friends, roommates, or coworkers is also a beautiful way to introduce others to Colombia’s Christmas traditions.
Create a Moment of Gratitude
Many families use Día de las Velitas to reflect on their goals, hopes, and the people they’re grateful for.
Take a quiet moment to think about everything you’ve achieved this year and the love and support you continue to send back home.
You can also send your family a message or voice note sharing why this night matters to you and what you’re grateful for. For many, these small gestures carry as much meaning as the candles themselves.
Support Your Family So They Can Celebrate Together
Día de las Velitas is a night full of light, food, and joy, but for many loved ones in Colombia, the celebration also comes with extra holiday expenses. Families often buy special ingredients for the meals, decorate the house with candles and lanterns, or host a small gathering for relatives and neighbors.
If you want to be part of their celebration, sending a little support can make all the difference. Even a small transfer can help your family enjoy the night without stress, whether it goes toward holiday groceries, decorations, or simply creating a warm moment together.
Many families say that even a few extra pesos during December help them keep their traditions alive and start the festive season with peace of mind. And with Pangea, sending support is fast, easy, and secure, so your loved ones can receive the help they need in just minutes and enjoy the holiday exactly as they’ve always done.
A Tradition That Shines Across Borders
No matter where you celebrate from, Día de las Velitas is a reminder that light, love, and family can travel any distance. Keeping these traditions alive, whether by lighting candles, joining a call, cooking holiday favorites, or sending a little support, helps you stay close to the people who matter most. Even miles away, your presence is felt in every small gesture. This December 7, may every velita you light honor your roots, brighten your home, and strengthen the connection you share with your family in Colombia.
DISCLAIMER – This content is for informational purposes only. Pangea and its affiliates do not provide financial, legal, investment or tax advice.