Dia de las Velitas translates to Day of the Candles and occurs on the 7th of December in Columbia as a celebration of the Virgin Mary’s Immaculate Conception. Alex, our Bound to Bogotá STA Explorer has experienced it first hand,

“From our apartment, we watched the fireworks explode from the top of the Colpatria building then went out for a wander. The streets were lively and indeed were lined with lanterns made from paper bags, sand and candles with paper lanterns hanging all over the shop.”

The festival is obviously religious in origin and signifies the beginning of the festive period, but Alex was told by friends that it also is a tradition that celebrates love and friendship. It all sounds like something that should be done the world over. He has pulled together a few images from across the ‘interweb’ to give you an idea of what it all looks like, which include the one I used above. And, as you can see from the pictures, they commit to their celebrations in Columbia, something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Alex,

“So far not a week has gone by without learning of a new festival or celebration or at least a big event of some kind, which is great as far as I’m concerned!”

Nothing wrong with a bit of rejoicing! Have you experienced Dia de las Velitas? Or any other festival for that matter while on your travels? If so get in touch by leaving a comment below, sending Cam an email or just tweet it at us!