Tourism in Pamplona: January and February

Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria

The Feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria is one of the most important religious festivities in Pamplona. It is celebrated on February 2, but the festivities begin at the end of January. During this festivity, processions, masses, traditional dances and cultural events are held in honor of the Virgin. The faithful come to the church to make their petitions and thanksgivings, and music and dance events are organized in the streets of the city. 

During this beautiful date the churches prepare to perform the "ritual of the light", for which a large number of believers come to the mitred city. During this liturgical act, the parishioners participate in the Eucharist and at the end the priest makes a tour with the light of the candelaria that is represented with a lighted candle, with which he shares his light with the participants who carry their candles in advance to participate in the light that emits the Virgin of the Candelaria. 

This act that takes place in all the churches of Pamplona becomes a unique event of solemnity and faith, because these religious spaces are filled with beautiful songs addressed to God and the Virgin, accompanied by aromas and atmospheres full of solemnity.

St. Sebastian Novena

The Novena of San Sebastian is a religious celebration that takes place at the end of January, which we want to highlight taking into account that the Hotel Cariongo of Pamplona in its beginnings was the Hermitage of San Sebastian, built by the Spaniards who colonized the aborigines. This building saw its light more than 400 years ago during the Spanish conquest of the whole country.

Most of the villagers preserve this tradition and devotion to San Sebastian, who was a military tribute of the Roman army, a saint and martyr venerated by the Catholic Church who lived in the third century. 

During the novena, prayers, masses, processions and cultural events are held in honor of the saint. Activities such as dance contests and live music are also held.

Feast of San Sebastian in the municipality of Cacota

A few kilometers away is the municipality of Cácota, belonging to the province of Pamplona, which also celebrates the Feast of San Sebastián in January. During this festivity, processions, masses and cultural events are held in honor of the saint. Activities such as dance contests and live music are also held. This festivity is an opportunity to experience the religious devotion and joy of the local community.

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Feast of San Isidro Labrador in the municipality of Silos

Another nearby municipality is Santo Domingo de Silos, belonging to the province of Pamplona. There, the Feast of San Isidro Labrador is celebrated in January. San Isidro Labrador is considered the patron saint of farmers and during this festivity processions, masses and cultural events are held in his honor. Activities such as dance contests and live music are also held, and local gastronomy can be enjoyed. 

Saint Isidore is better known by popular tradition than by authentic historical data about his life. In spite of everything, he is one of the few medieval saints whose miracles were recorded in a codex, it is said that believers devoutly pray to this saint when winter arrives and sunshine is needed for the plantations and to brighten the days. Children are still found shouting "San Isidro Labrador, take away the water and put the sun" as a belief to this religious figure.

These are just some of the religious festivities that attract tourism to Pamplona and its surroundings during the month of January and early February. Each of these festivities offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the spirituality and culture of the region, and to experience the devotion and joy of the local community. If you are looking for a religious and cultural experience in Colombia, Pamplona is the perfect place to visit in January, and remember during your visit to the city you have a home where you can find rooms with panoramic views of the eastern mountain range, two delicious restaurants and unparalleled attention in the best hotel in Pamplona. We are waiting for you.

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