Articles

Tourism in Pamplona at Christmas

BY Giselle Rivera / Dec 14, 2023

Christmas is a magical time all over the world and Pamplona, Norte de Santander in Colombia, is no exception. This charming city is filled with joy, traditions and celebrations during the Christmas season.

In this article, we will explore five unmissable experiences that Colombian and foreign tourists can enjoy in the middle of the city during Christmas, from admiring the lights and decorations, turning on the lights for the intentions of the heart, to participating in traditional festivities and enjoying the delicious Christmas gastronomy.

On December 7th live the traditional "Día de velitas" (Candlelight Day)

One of the most beautiful traditions that represents our country is undoubtedly the "Day of candles", during this date families gather to light a light that represents life and gratitude for what has been lived in the year that is about to end. In Pamplona, people gather in the Águeda Gallardo park or in the central squares, as well as in every house, they light the candles, one for each member of the family.

It is exciting and beautiful to walk through the streets of the city during a candlelight day, each house with its little lights outside, traditional music of the season or the most beautiful carols, it is natural to see neighbors entering other houses to offer fritters, empanadas, wine or custard, you can see groups of friends moving around the city and beautiful outfits for the children of Pamplona who live Christmas.

Tour of Christmas lights and decorations

One of the most exciting activities during Christmas in Pamplona is to walk the streets and admire the festive lights and decorations. The central park Agueda Gallardo de Villamizar, Calle Real and the main streets are transformed into a spectacle of bright and colorful lights. Historic buildings such as mansions and churches and the facades of the houses are adorned with garlands, twinkling lights and Christmas figures, creating a magical atmosphere that makes you live the beautiful Christmas spirit.

Participate in the Novena de Aguinaldos (Christmas Eve)

Another beautiful tradition is the novena that is prayed before the arrival of the Child God, during the 9 days, the people of Pamplona gather with their families and communities, this practice can also be found in churches and central houses that perform the tradition through public and private organizations in the city.

This practice consists of praying, singing and praising the Child God who is about to arrive, each place has its Christmas tree and manger, many of them represent the fields of the imposing mountains of the geography of the great Santurban. In Pamplona communities and families gather, the protagonists will always be our children, who with tambourines and beautiful songs lead each day of the Christmas novena.

Enjoying Christmas gastronomy

Gastronomy plays a fundamental role in the Christmas celebrations in Pamplona. During this season, you can delight yourself with traditional dishes such as tamales, hayacas, trout, Pamplona creams and northern Santander food that you will find at the CHITARERO RESTAURANT OF THE CARIONGO HOTEL, as well as the unmissable natilla and buñuelos, which you can accompany with a glass of mulled wine in any of the beautiful spaces of our legendary Hotel. These authentic flavors will transport you to home cooking and allow you to enjoy the richness of the region's cuisine. These authentic flavors will transport you to the home cooking and allow you to enjoy the culinary richness of the region. Experience Christmas with the authentic flavors of Pamplona and Cariongo!

Visit of nativity scenes, spaces full of lights, love and tradition.

Believe it or not, the tradition in Pamplona is that each community builds a nativity scene where they gather every night during the novena of aguinaldos, to pray, sing, share and live the most beautiful time of the year.

One of the plans that Christmas brings to the mitred city is the visit of nativity scenes, you will find many, in the 7 major churches, the chapels that also build beautiful places for the birth of the Child Jesus, as well as the communities as I explained above. So you can take several days to appreciate the love and creativity that the people of Pamplona put in the realization of the nativity scene, many of these allude to the green areas, with rivers, animals typical of the Andes such as birds, goats, sheep, horses, ducks, among others. Appreciating these beautiful traditional works of art will allow you to feel the deepest meaning of Christmas.

Pamplona, Colombia, offers a variety of Christmas experiences that will immerse you in the holiday spirit and allow you to enjoy the rich culture and traditions of the region. From walking the illuminated streets to participating in the Novenas de Aguinaldos and enjoying the delicious Christmas gastronomy in the best Cariongo style, Pamplona offers a unique experience during the holiday season. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the charm of this Colombian city and create unforgettable Christmas memories, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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