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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEvery December 7, Christmas officially begins in Colombia<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. Initially associated with the celebration of the Immaculate Conception, D\u00eda de las Velitas has become a family and community tradition. Lighting candles and lanterns symbolizes gratitude, wishes for the year ahead, and the desire to illuminate homes and neighborhoods in celebration of the holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Villa de Leyva<\/a><\/strong> is one of the most emblematic places to experience this celebration, thanks to its luminous festival that has become a national reference. But this night is celebrated across the country, from large urban centers to small towns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Novenas<\/em>, celebrated from December 16 to 24, are among the most deeply rooted traditions in Colombia <\/strong>and Ecuador<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>. Their origin dates back to the 18th century, when priest Fernando de Jes\u00fas Larrea from Quito <\/strong>wrote a text to accompany nine nights of preparation before Christmas<\/strong>. In the early 20th century, nun Bertilda Samper modernized its content and added the gozos<\/em>, hymns that still accompany these gatherings.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe novenas: nine days that bring generations together<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n