Colombian Holidays 2020
Colombia is one of the countries with more holidays in the world! In 2020 it shares the first place along with India with 18 holidays, being 16 extended weekends or “puentes” as they are usually called.
In Colombia, two types of holidays are recognized: civic holidays or national holidays and religious holidays; another division is holidays with a fixed date and a movable date, those are transferred to next Monday from the determined date.
In 2020 there are 18 public holidays and 12 of there are religious, the months of February and September don’t have holidays.
The celebration of each holiday depends on the type of family, the most traditional and religious usually visit temples and attend masses and processions; on the other hand, there are those who take advantage of the “puentes” to rest and leave the city.
All Colombian holidays are non-working, including banks, government entities, and commercial establishments are closed, but don’t worry! Shopping malls, groceries, and cinemas are opened so you will still have a fun plan!
Here, we explain what is the holiday about and the traditions to celebrate it:
New Year’s Day (Civic holiday – Fixed date) – January 1st
What is it about?
January 1st is a public holiday in almost every country in the world, it’s the start of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar.
Traditions
The night before (New Year’s Eve), ofter meet with families and prepare a great dinner to welcome the new year. Superstition activities are carried out seeking to have a prosperous year, including:
- Eat twelve grapes with each of the last bells that give way to the new year
- Decorate the table with wheat: symbolizes a change or transformation into the future
- Carry money in your pockets
- Go for a run at midnight with a suitcase
- Eat lentils at dinner to attract good luck
- Climbing the stairs means promotion in different aspects of life: at work, in love, or family
- Put three potatoes under the bed: one totally peeled, another must be half peeled and some more must be unpeeled. On January 1st you should take a potato without looking, according to tradition this will tell you how your economy will be for the new year: good, regular or bad
- Kiss a person of the opposite sex at midnight to attract unity and love
- Wear yellow underwear to attract power and wealth
- List of goals and wishes for the new year
- Burning an old year doll (old year dolls are armed with flammable materials, old clothes, and accessories), this symbolizes leaving negative events behind
- Take baths and rituals with herb and oils
Colombia is a very happy country, many families in addition to the traditional New Year’s Eve dinner and superstition activities, enjoy having a few drinks and dancing until the dawn. The next day they usually enjoy a BBQ or lunches with family and friends and rest from the night before.
For those who enjoy the group and outdoor activities, in Bogotá the appointment is in the emblematic Torre de Colpatria in the heart of the city, at midnight they launch fireworks from the 50th floor, preceded by a concert on a stage built in the Carrera Séptima, the celebration starts at 10:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m.
Epiphany (Religious holiday – Transferred to next Monday) – January 6
What is it about?
Catholic countries celebrate Three Wise Men’s Day, which remembers the arrival of the kings to Bethlehem guided by the star to meet newborn Jesus. Also known as Epiphany for being the revelation of the Lord incarnated in the body of Jesus. The Three Wise Men are known to be wise, wealthy men, and astrologers, their names were:
- Melchor: gold holder
- Gaspar: incense holder
- Baltasar: myrrh holder
Traditions
In Colombia, Three Wise Men’s Day is considered the last the last day of Christmas season and it’s used to disassemble the Christmas tree, the manger, and the Christmas decorations. In addition, it means the end of the holiday season and many people return to their homes to resume their work and school activities.
In Egypt neighborhood (barrio Egypto) of the city of Bogotá, a great celebration has been held to commemorate this day for over 100 years. Thousands of locals and tourists gather to participate in different activities such as concerts, parades, plays, and food fairs.
Three Wise Men’s Day is considered a holiday in many countries, in Spain, children write beautiful letters to the Three Kings in search of gifts; the night of January 5 they leave candies and drinks to thank for the arrival. In addition, it’s traditional to eat king cake with hot chocolate.
Saint Joseph’s Day (Religious holiday – Transferred to next Monday) – March 19
What is it about?
Saint Joseph’s Day is commemorated as patron of the Catholic Church, the adoptive father of Jesus and husband of Holy Mary. Saint Joseph is the model of father and husband, as well as the patron saint of carpenters and workers. He is known to have been a carpenter from the early chapters fo the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. He is called the “Saint of Silence” because in the Biblical accounts no word pronounced by him appears.
Since 2000 in Colombia, Men’s Day has been celebrated on March 19, to exalt the idea of fatherhood and highlight the role and male contributions to the community. In other countries, it’s celebrated on November 19 since it’s the day recognized by the UN.
Traditions
Due to this is a religious holiday, religious people often attend a Sunday service to honor Saint Joseph. The celebration of Men’s Day is usually celebrated with a special lunch or dinner and details for the men of the family.
Maundy Thursday (Holy Week – Religious Holiday) – April 9
What is it about?
Maundy Thursday is celebrated on Thursday before Easter Sunday within Holy Week and begins what is known as the Easter Triduum (passion, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ). On this day The Last Supper, the foot washing performed by Jesus and the prayer in the garden of Gethsemane are celebrated.
Traditions
The faithful celebrate traditional processions and masses. On the other hand, there are those who take this day for travel, go out at night or rest with family and friends, taking into account that schools, universities and small businesses are closed and it is a non-working day.
This last trend is recent since a few years ago the traditions and inhibitions were different, here are some of them:
- On Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, no one could take a bath, since doing so was a sin and it was believed that as punishment they would become a fish
- You could not listen to music, dance, or drink alcohol
- They could not have sexual relations or as punishment, they would remain stuck until the beginning of the following Lent
Bogotá has colonial churches and cathedrals that are highly visited during Holy Week, but the most crowded place is Cerro de Monserrate, where parishioners make the ascent by cable car, funicular, or the pedestrian path.
Good Friday (Holy Week – Religious Holiday) – April 10
What is it about?
It is one of the most important celebrations of Christianity, in which the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ are remembered. The seven-word mass is celebrated at 3 in the afternoon, the time when according to the Gospels was the crucifixion. This day is moving and painful, but at the same time hopeful as the resurrection is coming.
Traditions
Just like Maundy Thursday, the faithful celebrate traditions, masses, and processions. Some conservative families still celebrate the old beliefs, among which stand out:
- Prohibited to eat beef or pork
- Attend the seven-words mass, one the longest Catholic Eucharist
- Do not bathe
- 24 hours of fasting
- Prohibited any sexual act
- Dance and alcohol restricted
- Games are prohibited
Labor Day (Civic Holiday – Fixed date) – May 1st
What is it about?
Labor day was originated in the United States in 1886 when thousands of workers went on strike to demand that the workday be 8 hours, with the premise of “eight hours of work, eight hours of leisure and eight hours of the break”. It is currently celebrated in most countries in Europe and South America.
Traditions
No work activities are carried out. Trade union and worker group marches are often held calling for respect for the rights of the workforce and in defense of democracy, freedom, employment, and wages.
Ascension Day (Religious holiday) – May 25
What is it about?
The Ascension Day of Jesus is celebrated forty days after Easter Sunday and commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven in the presence of his disciples.
Traditions
Being Colombia a religious country, this is one of the most important holidays. The Catholic Church celebrates the Ascension on the Thursday following the 40 days of Easter, however, this holiday moves to the following Monday.
Usually, religious holidays attend mass or visit churches, a plan for this day may be to visit the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá, there you can see the marble sculptures alluding to Catholicism and the ascension of Jesus.
Corpus Christi (Religious holiday) – June 15
What is it about?
Corpus Christi makes direct reference to the body and blood of Christ. This feast day of the Catholic Church is intended for the celebration of the Eucharist; it is celebrated 60 days after Easter Sunday.
Traditions
In Colombia this holiday moves to the following Monday, this day there is no work, there are no schools and most of the small establishments are closed. In Bogotá the Eucharist is celebrated in the Primada Cathedral, in this ceremony, the Presidential Guard Battalion usually does a street of honor and the band plays some Eucharistic themes.
Sacred Heart (Religious holiday) – June 22
What is it about?
This day celebrates to remember God’s love for humanity, it commemorates the heart of Christ.
Traditions
In preparation for this day, the faithful of the Sacred Heart attend Mass on the first Friday of each month for 9 months and also attend the different processions. Throughout June the Catholic Church invites its followers to demonstrate love in each of their actions.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul Day (Religious holiday – Transferred to next Monday) – June 22
What is it about?
This day commemorates the martyrdom in Rome of the apostle’s Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Saint Peter assumed to be the head of the church when Jesus said “You are Peter and on this stone, I will build my church”, he accepted it humbly and made sure that the disciples kept the faith alive. For his part, Paul is recognized with the apostle of the Gentiles and spent his life preaching the Gospel.
Traditions
In Colombia many cities attract tourists to participate in “Las Fiestas de San Pedro” this celebration includes parades, a gastronomy fair, typical dances and, cultural activities.
Independence Day (Civic holiday – Fixed date) – July 20
What is it about?
Since 1872, President Manuel Murillo Toro determined the annual celebration of Colombia’s independence day from Spanish colonization, this being the most important patriotic celebration. On July 20, 1810, a board made up of creole civil authorities and intellectuals provoked an altercation in the house of the Spanish José González Llorente, which ended up leading to the signing of the Act of Independence.
Traditions
In Bogotá, a two-hour military parade is held from 10:00 a.m. Hotels, restaurants, and bars organize parties and buffets. In different cities and towns, civic and cultural events take place.
Battle of Boyacá (Civic holiday – Fixed date) – August 7
What is it about?
This event took place on August 7, 1819, in the current department of Boyacá, not only marked the endpoint in the warlike disputes for power in Colombian territory but also fixed the independence victory that had begun on July 20, 1810. This important historical event was not only important for Colombia, but it also influenced the victories of Carabobo in Venezuela, Pichincha in Ecuador, and Junín and Ayacucho in Peru.
Traditions
The Boyacá bridge is one of the emblematic sites in the history of Colombia, driving from Bogotá takes approximately 3 hours. It is surrounded by monuments such as the statues of Simón Bolívar, Francisco de Paula Santander, and Pedro Pascasio Martínez. Next to it are also the Plaza de Banderas, the Arc de Triomphe engraved with the letter of the national anthem, the Stone Lectern, the Flame of Liberty, the Stone of the British Legion and the Obelisk.
Assumption of Mary (Religious holiday – Transferred to next Monday) – August 17
What is it about?
This religious belief alludes to when the body and soul of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, were taken to heaven after finishing their days on earth. For Catholics, this fact is considered a dogma of faith (a truth that cannot be doubted).
Traditions
Since Mary plays an important role for Catholics, it symbolizes motherhood and sacrifice. The celebrations of the Assumption of Mary are full of color, flowers abound and it is a day in which many mothers attend their temples with their babies on behalf of Mary.
This day Colombians do not attend work, so believers often attend mass, make donations on behalf of Maria, visit temples, and share with family and friends.
Columbus Day (Civic holiday – Transferred to next Monday) – October 12
What is it about?
This day commemorates cultural diversity, it is celebrated in Latin America, Spain, and the United States among other countries. It was on this date, but in 1492 when Christopher Columbus arrived in the American continent, it is a day to remember the feelings of solidarity and acceptance towards all people, regardless of their race, skin color, nationality, religion, culture, or any other condition. that makes them look different.
Traditions
Several sectors disagree with the celebration of this day, arguing that it was not a meeting of two cultures, but that it was a process of conquest by Europeans, destroying native cultures and plundering natural resources and precious metals. However, schools remember this day with plays and activities so that the new generations have respect for all people.
All Saint’s Day (Religious holiday – Transferred to next Monday) – November 2nd
What is it about?
All Saint’s Day is commemorated to all the saints, adored, and anonymous. It originated in the so-called great persecution, where so many Christians died that the Church decided to decree this day as a way to honor the memory of those martyrs, considered saints.
Traditions
It is traditional to visit cemeteries and decorate the graves of deceased loved ones using flowers. Masses are also held around the country to remember the deceased.
Independence of Cartagena (Civic holiday -Transferred to next Monday) – November 16
What is it about?
On November 11, 1811, the absolute independence of the city of Cartagena was declared, becoming the first territory in Colombia to declare itself completely independent.
Traditions
It is a great time to visit Cartagena, since the independence parties are from November 11 to 16 of the same month, in the Convention Center the beauty contest is held to choose Miss Colombia. In addition, there are tours of floats, troupes, and folk groups through the main streets; as well as parties and concerts in the most representative squares such as the Castillo San Felipe and Ciudad Vieja.
Another cultural activity is visiting the Historical Museum of Cartagena de Indias, located inside the Palace of the Inquisition. This museum has several rooms that, through documents, works of art and graphic archives, narrate the history of the city. One of the rooms is dedicated exclusively to the events that occurred on November 11, 1811.
Immaculate Conception Day (Religious holiday – Fixed date) – December 8
What is it about?
This day is a dogma of the Catholic Church is held that maintains that the Virgin Mary was free from original sin from the moment of its conception by the merits of her son Jesus Christ.
Traditions
Known as Candlelight Day, it traditionally kicks off the Christmas season. During the night of December 7 and the morning of 8 children and adults gather with family or friends to light candles and lanterns on the sidewalks of the streets in honor of the Virgin Mary, a special dinner is prepared and allusive snacks Christmas time.
Many families assemble the traditional Christmas tree this day and decorate their homes with Christmas decorations and lights, another tradition is to take tours of the places in the city that have been decorated.
Likewise, Bogotá carries out nightly activities for the family; Museums and stores and shopping malls have extended hours and fireworks events. The celebration begins with a light show at the top of the Colpatria Tower.
As a curious fact, December 8 is the day that most Colombian children receive the sacrament of First Communion.
Christmas Day (Religious holiday – Fixed date) – December 25
What is it about?
It’s one of the most important festivals of Christianity, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. December 25 is a public holiday in many countries and celebrated by millions of people around the world.
Traditions
The arrival of Christmas is synonymous with family togetherness, happiness, celebration, and eating, eating, and eating. On December 24, Baby Jesus brings gifts to Colombian children, it is a tradition that they write nice letters asking for their gifts and leave them on the Christmas tree.
A great Christmas dinner is prepared. The menu varies depending on each region, but they are usually consumed: tamales, roasted pig, sancocho, ajiaco, pork leg and turkey; accompanied by desserts and typical snacks such as custard, fritters, rice pudding, puff pastries, and Christmas cookies; Colombians like to accompany their celebrations with liquor, among the best sellers of the time, aguardiente and rum stand out.
Listening to Christmas carols and Christmas bonus games are popular activities to have fun, just as you cannot forget to make the novena, one of the most important traditions of Colombians; a prayer that is prayed for 9 days beginning on December 16 in which the history of the conception until the birth of Jesus is remembered. Once midnight arrives, hugs and gifts are exchanged as a sign of affection towards family and friends.
Carnivals, fairs and festivals
In addition to the previously mentioned holidays in Colombia, fairs and carnivals are held throughout the entire territory. If these days do not coincide with a holiday, it is the power of each local administration to decide the hours of schools, companies, banks, and state entities.
- Black and White Carnival – from January 2 to 6
- Manizales Fair – from January 4 to 12
- Barranquilla Carnival – from February 22 to 25
- Vallenato Legend Festival (Valledupar, Cesar) – from April 29 to May 2
- Flower Fair (Medellín, Antioquia) – from August 1 to 10
- Summer Festival (Bogotá, Capital District) – from August 1st to 9
- Festival of Light (Villa y Leyva, Boyacá) – December 7 and 8
- Cali Fair – from December 25 to 30
Celebrations that are not holidays
There are celebrations that are commemorated but are not considered holidays, among the main ones they stand out:
- Women’s Day – March 8
- Children’s Day – April 25
- Secretaries’ Day – April 26
- Mother’s Day – May 10
- Teacher’s Day – May 15
- Father’s Day – June 21
- Valentine’s Day of Colombia – September 19
- Halloween – October 31
- Colombian Women’s Day – November 14
- Christmas Eve – December 24
- New Year’s Eve – December 31
If you are in Colombia, give yourself the opportunity to participate in one of our celebrations and get involved in the culture, folklore, and joy that characterizes us.
