Colombians have entered the second night of the Novena de Aguinaldos for 2025, a practice observed every December that shapes the country’s Christmas season. This nine-day event, which runs from December 16 through December 24, combines prayer, song, food, and gatherings at homes, churches, and community halls.
The roots of the Novena de Aguinaldos trace back to the colonial era. Fray Fernando de Jesús Larrea, an Ecuadorian priest, wrote the original text in the 18th century at the request of Clemencia de Caycedo Vélez in Bogotá. Caycedo, who founded the Colegio de la Enseñanza, wanted a way for teachers and students to reflect on the meaning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus. The tradition grew and, with time, was modified. One key change came from Mother María Ignacia, who added “los gozos,” the joyful verses sung toward the end of each nightly gathering. These modifications helped shape the celebration into what it is today, blending prayer, reflection, and music in a distinctly Colombian way. The practice spread to Ecuador and Venezuela, and it shares similarities with the posadas in Mexico and other Latin American countries. The religious origins remain, but the event has become a community celebration as well EL PAÍS.
How the Novena Unfolds Across Colombia
Each night of the Novena focuses on a different moment in the story of Jesus’ birth. The second evening, December 17, centers on the announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to Mary, and her acceptance of her role. The prayers and reflections for this day highlight the humility and faith of Mary. The format of each gathering follows a set pattern. Participants read prayers, sing villancicos (Christmas carols), and recite “los gozos.” These elements create a space for petition, gratitude, and meditation on the deeper meaning of Christmas. The nativity scene, or pesebre, serves as a visual centerpiece. It is decorated with figures and often, a candle is lit each evening.
Food plays an important part in these gatherings. Families and friends share traditional dishes that vary across regions. Common fare includes buñuelos, natilla, and tamales. After the prayers and songs, groups often exchange small gifts called aguinaldos, which give the event its name.
The Novena primarily takes place in private homes, but some neighborhoods and communities organize larger events in public spaces. Churches and schools also host their own novenas. The event’s structure remains largely the same throughout Colombia, though each region adds its own songs and customs.
Reflections on the 2025 Novena
The 2025 Novena de Aguinaldos is unfolding at a time when many Colombians are paying closer attention to tradition. Town squares and homes across the country glow with lights and decorations. Each night, people gather to pray and sing, reinforcing the sense of unity the celebration brings. The Novena is seen as a way to connect families and friends, and to blend faith with daily life during the Christmas season.
Some historians see the Novena as a window into Colombia’s past and present. It began when the Catholic Church was a central force in daily life. Figures like Fray Fernando de Jesús Larrea and Clemencia de Caycedo Vélez shaped the event’s early years. Over time, the celebration adjusted to new social realities, such as a growing focus on community and the recognition of women’s roles in education and public life.
In many homes, the event’s religious character remains strong. Yet for others, the Novena has become a cultural anchor, a way to mark the approach of Christmas with loved ones. The practice has become so embedded in Colombian life that it draws in people from many different backgrounds. Some see similarities between the Novena and other Latin American traditions, but the Colombian version is known for its distinctive blend of prayer, song, and food The City Paper Bogotá.
As the nights continue, groups across the country will keep gathering, singing, eating, and sharing stories beside their nativity scenes. By Christmas Eve, the Novena will have brought millions together, linking faith and family in a nine-night tradition that remains a central part of Colombia’s December calendar. Many expect the Novena to hold its place next year and beyond, as families pass on songs, recipes, and prayers to new generations.
