From the highlands of Guatemala to the lively avenues of São Paulo, December’s festivals and major events offer a unique glimpse into each city’s identity through dance, music, ephemeral art, or sports. Each one has its own atmosphere, ideal for ending the year by discovering traditions deeply rooted in the region.
Festival of Lights – Villa de Leyva, Colombia (December 7–8)
In Villa de Leyva, El Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles) takes on a special dimension with the Festival of Lights, a tradition that has endured in the town for decades and marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Colombia. For two nights, residents light up balconies, streets, and squares with lanterns and candles, revealing the colonial architecture under a warm glow.
The main square becomes the heart of the celebration, hosting choirs, local groups, and a fireworks show that attracts thousands of visitors every year. More than a tourist event, it is a collective celebration where devotion, family memory, and community participation come together. Due to the large crowds, it is advisable to book early and arrive ahead of time to enjoy the spectacle from the cafés and restaurants surrounding the square.
Fiesta de Santo Tomás – Chichicastenango, Guatemala (December 14–23)
The patron saint festival of the “Pueblo entre Ortigas” (Village among the Nettles) lasts a little over a week, with its highlight on December 21. During this period, religious groups walk through the streets carrying images of Saint Thomas the Apostle, while young men perform the palo volador, descending and spinning from a pole over 30 meters high. Although it evokes the flying ritual of Papantla in Mexico, here it forms part of a K’iche’-Catholic celebration accompanied by marimba, traditional dances, and offerings of flowers, candles, fruits, and grains.
Dances such as El Torito, Los Mexicanos, or El Tzijolaj complete the program, while the town’s emblematic market fills with handicrafts, textiles, and typical dishes such as tamales and chuchitos.
Night of the Radishes – Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico (December 23)
This festivity, dating back to colonial times and held in the Plaza de la Constitución, showcases ephemeral sculptures carved from giant radishes. Local artisans, who prepare their pieces over several weeks, create figures ranging from religious scenes to depictions of daily life or popular characters.
Visitors can explore the stalls set up in the Zócalo, attend the competitions, and enjoy an atmosphere complemented by Oaxacan cuisine, particularly hot chocolate and mole.
Feria de Cali – Colombia (December 25–30)
For its 68th edition, the country’s largest salsa festival energizes Cali with concerts, parades, and dance competitions, as well as cultural activities such as theater.
The Salsódromo remains the central event, bringing together troupes, dance schools, and musicians. Among the artists announced this year are Marc Anthony, La India, and El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. The fair also includes the Carnaval de Cali Viejo, which revives local characters and traditions; the Feria Rural y Comunera, which takes music and dance to rural districts; and the Meeting of Melomaniacs and Collectors, with concerts and exhibitions dedicated to the heritage of salsa.
100th Edition of the Saint Sylvester Road Race – São Paulo, Brazil (December 31)
São Paulo becomes the stage for one of the oldest urban races in the country. Over a 15 km route, runners pass through some of the city’s most emblematic landmarks.
The event brings together professional athletes and amateurs in a festive atmosphere where sport and tradition merge. Created in 1925, it is now an international reference and one of the main celebrations marking the transition to the new year.
From markets to squares, avenues to stadiums, these events offer unique opportunities to meet local communities and discover their cultural practices firsthand.
Photos: INGUAT | D.R | Sao Silvestre
