When is Day of the Little Candles?
In 2026, Day of the Little Candles falls on Monday, December 7, 2026. It is an observance rather than a federal holiday, so federal offices and most businesses follow their normal schedules.
History of Day of the Little Candles
Día de las Velitas, or the Night of the Little Candles, is observed from the evening of December 7 into the early hours of December 8. It is the Colombian vigil of the Immaculate Conception and the popular opening of the Christmas season. The custom is linked with the 1854 definition of the Catholic dogma, but it has developed into a family and neighbourhood gathering embraced by people with different degrees of religious commitment.
Households place coloured candles and handmade lanterns on pavements, windows, balconies or patios. Bogotá’s public library network describes the flame as a symbol of hope, faith and unity, accompanied by food, music and public lighting. Practice varies across Colombia: some people light a candle for a prayer or intention, while others focus on spending time with relatives, walking through illuminated streets or beginning December festivities.
December 7 is not a separate nationwide paid holiday under Law 51 of 1983. The statutory closure is December 8 for the Immaculate Conception. This guide therefore classifies Velitas as an observance and dates it on December 7 rather than inventing a legal day off. Fire safety matters: candles should be supervised, lanterns placed securely and local restrictions on fireworks respected, especially where children participate.
How Day of the Little Candles is observed
The evening of December 7 is a nationwide cultural and devotional observance, not a separate paid holiday; families light supervised candles and lanterns before the December 8 closure.
Traditions of Day of the Little Candles
Candles at doors and windows
Colombian households arrange small coloured candles along pavements, balconies, patios or windows, often dedicating each light to a hope or prayer.
Handmade faroles
Families, schools and neighbourhoods create paper lanterns in many shapes and colours, turning local streets and public spaces into shared displays.
December foods and visiting
Relatives and neighbours gather around the lights with natilla, buñuelos or other seasonal food as Colombia’s Christmas cycle begins.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Colombia cultural, civic or religious guidance. Government, regional, school and employer schedules in Colombia may differ; check the linked official source and current local notices before making time-sensitive plans.
History sources: Bogotá Public Library Network: Little Candles, Colombian Colonial Museum: Immaculate Conception, Colombia, Law 51 of 1983.
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