Dia de las Velitas

Today was Colombia's Dia de Las Velitas. It happens every year on December 7 on the eve of Colombia's Immaculate Conception Day. It basically signifies the unofficial start of Christmas here. All over Colombia people place candles and paper lanterns on their windows, balconies, porches, sidewalks, streets, parks etc. in honor of the Virgin Mary and the immaculate conception. In our own little building 4 little families came out to the entry where the children lit candles. The wax from the candles was used as a base to set the candles up. We probably had over 200 candles burning at one point! 

Perhaps a bit dangerous, but there were enough adults there that all was well. Although we did smell burning hair coming from Jay at one point. It was really cool! Our neighbors were so nice to include us in their tradition and the kids loved it. 

After all the candles went out our next door neighbors invited us to their house for buñuelos and natillas. The buñuelos here are little round balls made of corn meal and fresh farmers cheese mixed into a dough then deep fried. 

Sometimes I really like them but sometimes the cheese can be a little overwhelming. The ones our neighbors served were delicious! Natillas here are also different. It's still like a flan or pudding but it has a different taste here and it's more formed. 

It can be made with a cinnamon flavor or a caramel flavor. Our neighbors made the caramel version and it was excellent! It was fun to sit around with everyone and talk and eat. We are so blessed to have been able to start our Colombian Christmas season here in such a traditional way!