Now you know more Colombian facts, so next time you talk with someone, you have a perfect conversation starter. If you know more interesting Colombian facts, don't hesitate to leave a comment :)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information, visit our amazing website colture.co<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Colombian facts: culture, living, transportation, etc.","post_excerpt":"If you want to know more amazing things about Colombia and our music, food, family life, etc., check out the following Colombian facts!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"colombian-facts","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-05-07 12:02:46","post_modified_gmt":"2020-05-07 17:02:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=7507","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2019,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-12-31 12:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-12-31 17:00:00","post_content":"When New Year\u2019s Eve arrives, it\u2019s time to celebrate and reflect upon what happened during the last twelve months and to embrace and welcome another trip around the sun. In Colombia, we have tons of traditions that have been part of New Year\u2019s Eve celebrations for decades; A\u00f1o Viejo is one of them!<\/b>\n\nIn Colombia, when it comes to New Year\u2019s Eve, you\u2019ll be amazed! It\u2019s definitely one of the most important dates in the country, and therefore, it\u2019s accompanied by numerous celebrations, rituals, and ceremonies. A\u00f1o Viejo, which literally means \"old year,\" basically refers to a puppet that is dressed in old clothes and burned to bring good luck in the New Year. This is a tradition mostly done in small towns and it has been around for decades, representing a symbolic way of letting go and hoping for a better tomorrow. A\u00f1o Viejo also refers to the day in general. Some people might tell you, \u201ctoday is A\u00f1o Viejo,\u201d which means \u201ctoday is New Year\u2019s Eve.\u201d Keep reading to know more about this iconic tradition!<\/span>\n\n![\"A\u00f1o](\"https:\/\/colture.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/A\u00f1o-Viejo1.jpg\")
\u00a9 Photograph by Turismoalvuelo.com (left) \/ Regalos para sonre\u00edr (right)[\/caption]\n<\/h2>\n
A tradition passed from generation to generation<\/b><\/h2>\nImagine writing down hopes for the new year and anything you regret from the old year and then you set it on fire! It would probably feel very liberating! Well, this is what A\u00f1o Viejo is all about, but instead of burning papers, you burn a puppet that embodies those wishes. <\/span>\n\nA\u00f1o Viejo is a tradition brought to Latin America by the Spaniards and it probably derives from ancient European pagan rituals. Each country has its own way of celebrating it. In Colombia, it\u2019s very popular in small towns, where the puppets are made up by members of the community with resources coming from the neighbors. It's made of old clothes, cardboard or paper, and filled with sawdust, more paper, or even pyrotechnic devices. The puppets can either be a random personification, or, on a funnier note, a personification of political, artistic, or public personalities, as well as good or not-so-good events of the past year. And then, at midnight, puppets are set on fire! Truth is, the tradition varies from region to region, and even from family to family, but the idea is basically the same.<\/span>\n\nSadly the practice of A\u00f1o Viejo has become forgotten during the last years due to bad practices and incidents with pyrotechnic devices, so it\u2019s only natural that in most of Colombia, it\u2019s already prohibited. Nonetheless, the practice has been kept alive in some little towns and you can still buy a miniature puppet (it costs around $40,000 COP\/$12.5 USD and you can buy it at <\/span>Regalos para sonre\u00edr<\/span><\/a>), which you can burn as if it were the big one, just in a more controlled way because the fire is contained.<\/span>\n
The day of A\u00f1o Viejo<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"A\u00f1o](\"https:\/\/colture.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/A\u00f1o-Viejo2.jpg\")
\u00a9 Photograph by Groupon[\/caption]\n\nAs I said before, don\u2019t forget that A\u00f1o Viejo also refers to the day itself. So, in the midst of celebrating the New Year, there are many other traditions that are done on this day. To name a couple, we have the Ag\u00fceros, a unique and often quite strange Colombian version of superstitions or omens that are supposed to bring good luck (read my article <\/span>New Year\u2019s Eve traditions to have fun in Bogot\u00e1: Ag\u00fceros<\/span><\/a> to know more about it), and the \u201cCena de A\u00f1o Nuevo,\u201d or New Year\u2019s Eve Dinner (it can be lunch too), which is a special occasion to gather around delicious traditional Colombian Christmas and New Year\u2019s foods with family and friends (read my articles <\/span>Colombian recipes for Christmas and New Year\u2019s: Pernil de Cerdo <\/span><\/a>and <\/span>Colombian recipes for Christmas and New Year\u2019s: Torta Negra <\/span><\/a>to know about some of these recipes). <\/span>\n\nWhen midnight is approaching, there might be a fireworks display too (as in many other cities around the world), and hopefully, it\u2019s being done by professionals! Other traditions include the champagne shower (anyone?) or listening to the top five songs of this day:<\/span>\n\n \t
A little bit more about why we use ag\u00fceros<\/b><\/h2>\nIt is no surprise that a country like Colombia, with its magical realism and its mystical land, has ag\u00fceros as part of its New Year\u2019s Eve traditions. And like all superstitions or omens, some people take them very seriously, but there's no denying that they also bring an element of mystique and magic to our culture. What is a surprise though (and very interesting as well) is that as a traditionally Catholic country, there are actually a lot of people in Colombia who believe in these kinds of things, which supposedly have nothing to do with faith or religion.<\/span>\n\nAg\u00fceros are supposed to make whatever you want to happen in the new year, happen. They can also bring good or bad luck. However, the ag\u00fceros of New Year\u2019s Eve are usually done at midnight to bring good luck and favorable future events. People do them depending on what they want, whether it\u2019s peace, love, happiness, travels, work, money<\/a>, etc. Ag\u00fceros can be the simplest tasks, but while some are very funny, others can be quite strange and quirky.<\/span>\n
So, are you spending the New Year\u2019s Eve in Bogot\u00e1? <\/b><\/h2>\n
Here are my top five ag\u00fceros you need to adopt to have the best year:<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/b>1. Yellow or red underwear:<\/b><\/h4>\nThe classic of the classics! Do you want good luck and love in the new year? Then wear yellow or red underwear on New Year\u2019s Eve. It is said that it works better if they have never been worn before and if you wear them inside out until the new year arrives when you must turn them back the right way. Nothing sexier to start the year!<\/span>\n\n
![\"Ag\u00fceros\"](\"https:\/\/colture.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Ag\u00fceros1a.jpg\")
\u00a9 Photograph by viajalla.com.co[\/caption]\n<\/h4>\n
2.<\/b> The suitcase walk:<\/b><\/h4>\nAnother classic for wanderers and people who love traveling! Do you really want to to go on that safari next year? Then just grab your suitcase or backpack at midnight and walk or run around the block a few times. Nothing better to get some good luck for travel! You\u2019ll probably look a little bit stupid, but it\u2019s good for a laugh too.<\/span>\n\n
![\"Ag\u00fceros\"](\"https:\/\/colture.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Ag\u00fceros1.jpg\")
\u00a9 Photograph by viajala.com.co[\/caption]\n<\/h4>\n
<\/b>3. Pockets of lentils:<\/b><\/h4>\nThis ag\u00fcero is said to have originated in old Europe centuries ago. If you want good luck and money (who doesn\u2019t?) in the new year, you don\u2019t even have to eat the lentils, just put a handful in your pocket instead. It\u2019s funny to walk around having these legumes in your pocket, but hey, it\u2019s worth a try!<\/span>\n\n
![\"Ag\u00fceros\"](\"https:\/\/colture.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Ag\u00fceros2.jpg\")
\u00a9 Photograph by tiketeo.com[\/caption]\n<\/h4>\n
<\/b>4. Twelve grapes and twelve wishes:<\/b><\/h4>\nNot three, twelve! One for each month of the year. Head to the supermarket (read our article <\/span>Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Five Most Popular Supermarkets & Grocery Stores<\/span><\/a>) to buy some good, delicious grapes and have them ready at midnight. Then, all you need to do is to eat twelve and make a wish for each one, which means you have to have them ready by that moment. Make sure they are good wishes! They might come true after all\u2026<\/span>\n\n
![\"Ag\u00fceros\"](\"https:\/\/colture.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Ag\u00fceros3.jpg\")
\u00a9 Photograph by sumedico.com[\/caption]\n<\/h4>\n
<\/b>5. Three potatoes: <\/b><\/h4>\nThis is one of the strangest ag\u00fceros, and you\u2019ll probably look damn crazy doing it, but it\u2019s fun! Take three potatoes (one peeled, the other half peeled, and the last one just as it is) \u00a0and put them under your pillow and when midnight comes, randomly choose one. If you take the peeled potato, then you\u2019ll have money problems; the half-peeled one means money will be okay, and the normal one means you\u2019ll have lots of money in the year ahead. Seems to be easier than the lottery, so it\u2019s worth a try and a good laugh!<\/span>\n\n
![\"Ag\u00fceros\"](\"https:\/\/colture.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Ag\u00fceros4.jpg\")
\u00a9 Photograph by viajala.com.co[\/caption]\n\nI <\/span>don\u2019t think there\u2019s anything more fun than ag\u00fceros on New Year\u2019s Eve, just like aguinaldos (read my article <\/span>Christmas Traditions in \u00a0Bogot\u00e1: Aguinaldos <\/span><\/a>to know more). I recommend choosing an ag\u00fcero that suits what you want the New Year to bring you. You can try them all, but it would get complicated. Just like any other tradition we have in Colombia, ag\u00fceros are a celebration of our vibrant culture. So when coming to Bogot\u00e1 for New Year\u2019s Eve<\/a>, don\u2019t forget to try a few. After all, they will be a wonderful experience to remember and share! <\/span>\n\nWas this article useful? Do you know cool stuff about New Year\u2019s traditions in Bogot\u00e1? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage <\/span>Colture <\/span><\/a>to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before or during your trip.<\/span>","post_title":"New Year\u2019s Eve in Bogot\u00e1: have fun with traditional ag\u00fceros","post_excerpt":"Want to make something happen in the upcoming year? In New Year\u2019s Eve in Bogot\u00e1, don\u2019t forget to try some traditional ag\u00fceros to have fun and luck!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"agueros","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:16:27","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:16:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1968","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2083,"post_author":"18","post_date":"2019-12-27 12:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-12-27 17:00:00","post_content":"Replacing sugar for salt, changing the clocks, and putting notes on someones back are some of the most common jokes we use to celebrate the Holy Innocents Day. This day is celebrated every year on December 28 and even though this day has a sad history, our ancestors decided to instead honor it with smiles and laugh.<\/b>\nHistory<\/b><\/h2>\nThe Holy Innocents Day (D\u00eda de los Inocentes), also known as \"Childermass,\" is celebrated every year on December 28th. It commemorates the massacre of male children in Bethlehem when King Herod ordered the execution of male toddlers under 2 years old. The Bible says that the sages from the East came to Jerusalem and met with the King and they told him that they were looking for the future king of the Jews because they had seen a new star over Israel that signaled the arrival of the king of kings. <\/span>\n\nHerod feared that a new king would be born so he told the magicians, travelers from the East, to find the baby, but to come back and tell him the exact place where He was going to born with the excuse that he wanted to pay tribute like they did. However, God gave a message to the magicians saying that Herod had bad intentions with the baby Jesus, so the magicians decided not to tell Herod where the baby was.<\/span>\n\nHence, every December 28th in Colombia, and in many other countries in the world, we celebrate the Holy Innocents Day by playing jokes and pranks on friends, neighbors, and family. In other countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, India, and Australia, this day is celebrated as \u201cApril Fools\u2019 Day\u201d and it is on April 1st. <\/span>\n
How do we celebrate this day? <\/b><\/h2>\n
\n \t
Playing Pranks<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIn Colombia, this day refers to a day of joy and laughter because it is celebrated through pranks and jokes. However, these pranks are not evil or heavy, instead they are good and lighthearted. The only thing that we want is for the people around us to smile and laugh. You just have to make sure that you say \u201cfeliz D\u00eda de los Inocentes\u201d (Happy Holy Innocents Day) when someone falls for a prank. Also, when you want to tell someone that a person fell for a joke or prank, you say, \u201ccay\u00f3 en una inocentada.\u201d<\/span>\n\nBesides pranks on Holy Innocents Day, in Colombia, we have other traditional games we play during the holidays that are fun and good for a laugh. One of the most traditional games played in Bogot\u00e1 is called \"Aguinaldos,\" so if you want to learn more about how to play this game, see \"<\/span>Christmas and New Year's traditions in Bogot\u00e1: Aguinaldos<\/a>\"<\/span>\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/colture.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/TheHoly-InnocentsDay1.png\")
\u00a9 Photograph by myfunjokes.com[\/caption]\n\n \t
Most Common Pranks<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nChange sugar for salt: the idea of this prank is to be there when the person puts the \u201csugar\u201d in their coffee or drink. <\/span><\/b>\n\nChange the time on the clock: nothing more annoying than arriving very late or very early to a place to be confused by the time (make sure that when you do this prank, they don\u2019t have an important meeting).<\/span>\n\nToothpaste instead of the filling: take an Oreo or any biscuit with a vanilla cream, remove the vanilla, and replace it with toothpaste. <\/span>\n\nMentos prank: You'll need a coke, or as we say in Spanish, \u201cCoca-Cola, mint Mentos, string, and scissors. Take the string and tie it around the Mentos, then you have to be careful and put the Mentos in the cap of the Cola and put the cap back on the bottle without letting the Mentos fall in the Cola, close the bottle and cut off the excess string.<\/span>\n\nChicken soup shower: put a bouillon cube in the head of the shower and then it will make the person smell like chicken broth.<\/span>\n\nToilet roll spider: draw some spiders with a black marker on the toilet paper.<\/span>\n\nWrap the office in newspaper: wrap every object of your colleague\u2019s office, including laptop, chair, desk, etc., in newspaper.<\/span>\n
\n \t
General Suggestions: <\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAvoid doing pranks on people that you've just met <\/span>\n\nMake sure that no prank harms anyone<\/span>\n\nRemember to say at the end of the prank, \u201cfeliz D\u00eda de los Inocentes\u201d (happy Holy Innocents Day)<\/span>\n\nEnjoy the day!<\/span>\n
Partying:<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/colture.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/TheHoly-InnocentsDay2.jpg\")
\u00a9 Photograph by yoplan.trekksoft.com[\/caption]\n\nAs Colombians, we love to party and any special day is an excuse to dance and go out with our friends. So, you can also enjoy and celebrate this day by going out and partying. In Bogot\u00e1, and in Colombia, there are a lot of clubs and bars with different types of music, such as techno, electronic, salsa, reggaeton and the most common, crossover music. Some of the most common hotspots to go and party are \u201cLa 85,\u201d \u201cModelia,\u201d \u201c<\/span>Chapinero<\/span><\/a>,\u201d \u201cGalerias,\u201d \u201cZona T,\u201d and \u201c<\/span>Chorro de Quevedo<\/span><\/a>.\u201d <\/span>\n\nIt doesn't matter how you spend this special day, the important thing is that you enjoy it and have a good time. Remember that these last days of the year are the most special and if you don't know what to do check out <\/span>\u201cThe Ultimate Holiday Checklist You Should Do in Bogot\u00e1.\u201d <\/span>Also, if you want to know about other amazing and curious Colombian traditions of what we do on New Year\u2019s, read <\/span>\u201cNew Year\u2019s Eve in Bogot\u00e1: have fun with traditional Ag\u00fceros\u201d<\/span> and <\/span>\u201cCelebrating New Year\u2019s Eve in Colombia with A\u00f1o Viejo!\u201d <\/span> But if you want to try something different and have a great time at Christmas or New Years, check out,<\/span> \u201cRide a Chiva in Bogot\u00e1 at Christmas or New Year\u2019s!<\/a>\u201d<\/span>\n\nNow you know some of<\/span> th<\/span>e common ways we celebrate this day, I usually pull one or two pranks on my besties. Thank you for reading and let me know if you know more easy and funny pranks. Continue exploring our amazing city and follow us on Facebook & Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter<\/a>.<\/span>","post_title":"The Holy Innocents Day: Colombian April Fools\u2019 Day","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"holy-innocents-day","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-04-09 08:47:57","post_modified_gmt":"2020-04-09 13:47:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2083","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1881,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-12-25 12:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-12-25 17:00:00","post_content":"Christmas is always the best time in Bogot\u00e1: everything gets brighter and people are happier. We enjoy time with family and friends, we eat tons of delicious food<\/a>, and we play some games as well. One of the most traditional games played during festivities in Bogot\u00e1 is called Aguinaldos. Keep reading to know more about it.<\/strong>\n\nIf you search for \u201cAguinaldo\u201d on Google, it will tell you that it is some sort of bonus that workers receive on Christmas. While that definition is related to the game (because players do get a small prize if they win, like candy or an invitation to dinner), here in Bogot\u00e1, everyone knows Aguinaldos as the group of games usually played between two or more people that consist of temporary rules players agree upon. It can be played anytime, anywhere, and is between two people or more (even ten and up). The objective of the game, besides the small prize, is to have fun, enjoy the festivities, and keep traditions, just like this one, alive.\nHow to play Aguinaldos<\/strong><\/h2>\nThere are no absolute rules in Aguinaldos. Each game has its own unique rules that players decide beforehand. They can be stupid or serious but funny, but always keep in mind that this game is for people to have fun, not to suffer or to be ridiculed. There are, however, some basic things players must take into account when playing any Aguinaldo:\n
\n \t
Examples of Aguinaldos <\/strong><\/h2>\nThere are several games of Aguinaldos, here are the most common:\n
\n \t
Beso robado:<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nThe objective is to try to avoid other players from stealing a kiss from you. So be aware whenever someone tries to get too close. If you let another player kiss you, then you lose a point. It\u2019s fun to play this in the office or with your family.\n
\n \t
Tres pies:<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nIf you let another player put a foot between your feet, you lose a point. Be alert all the time, in anything you do (walking, eating, etc.). This could last for a couple of hours or even days.\n
\n \t
Dar y no recibir: <\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nThe purpose is to try to deliver something to the competitor and he\/she must refrain from receiving it. The players take advantage of the best opportunities to offer all kinds of gifts and objects and demonstrate the weakness of the opponent, who can become a loser if he forgets the deal and accepts the items.\n
\n \t
S\u00ed y no:<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nSome players are banned from saying the word \u201cno\u201d and others from saying \u201cyes,\u201d so when you are speaking you should be aware and think before saying anything. If you use the prohibited word, you lose a point.\n
\n \t
Pajita en la boca:<\/u> <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nThis one is ideal to play in a big group. Everyone should have something in their mouth all the time, whether it's a piece of straw, a piece of candy, gum, or anything. If someone has nothing in his\/her mouth and is discovered by another player, then he\/she loses a point.\n\nTruth is, we have fun at Christmas, and Aguinaldos or ag\u00fceros (read my article New Year\u2019s Eve Traditions in Bogot\u00e1: Ag\u00fceros <\/u><\/a>to find out more) is a\u00a0 testament to that. Always remember that these are innocent games that should cause no harm whatsoever to anyone. You can be creative with the rules and the prizes, but everyone that\u2019s playing should agree and be aware of it. Aguinaldos adds tons of fun and positive energy at Christmas<\/a>, so what are you waiting for!?\n\nFor other fun Christmas traditions in Colombia, read our article about our own version of April's fool here<\/a>.\n\nWas this article useful? Do you know more cool information about Christmas traditions<\/a> in\u00a0 Bogot\u00e1? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture <\/u>to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before or during your trip.","post_title":"Christmas and New Year's traditions in Bogot\u00e1: aguinaldos","post_excerpt":"Aguinaldos is the best way to have fun during Christmas and New Year in Bogot\u00e1. And it can be played anytime, anywhere.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"aguinaldos","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:14:06","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:14:06","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1881","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2059,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-12-23 12:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-12-23 17:00:00","post_content":"Christmas in Colombia is like no other. We even have our own version of Santa Claus and we celebrate it on December 24th, not on the 25th as in North America or Europe. Founded in the Catholic tradition, every Christmas Eve Colombian kids patiently wait for El Ni\u00f1o Dios (God Child or Baby Jesus) to deliver the presents under the tree. <\/b>\n\nI always believed in El Ni\u00f1o Dios when I was growing up. Each Christmas, I was eager for him to come so I could finally open the presents I\u2019ve been waiting for at midnight. My faith wavered when I realized (because of T.V. shows and movies) that there was also Santa Claus, and so, I didn\u2019t know what to believe anymore. But then I came to the conclusion that for us in Colombia, the tradition of recognizing El Ni\u00f1o Dios as the entity or magical character that brings presents at Christmas has always been the primary and official belief. And, as a Catholic country, El Ni\u00f1o Dios has weathered time from generations to still be considered and identify as THE one.<\/span>\n
A little bit about El Ni\u00f1o Dios<\/b><\/h2>\nSince July, little Carlos began to write his letter to El Ni\u00f1o Dios. He thought for a long time about what he wanted: toys, a bike, Hot Wheels, peace, love, etc. And then, when December finally arrived, he put his letter on the Christmas tree and went to sleep. He woke up the next day and the letter was gone. <\/span>\n\nMonths passed and Christmas finally arrived. On December 24th, little Carlos patiently waited until midnight for his presents to arrive; he was going to open them straight away. He knew well that El Ni\u00f1o Dios was almost impossible to see, so he rejected the idea of spying or bringing him cookies; that worked with Santa Claus, not with El Ni\u00f1o Dios. And in this country, everyone knows that it\u2019s he who always brings the presents.<\/span>\n\nThe night went by without a single trace of El Ni\u00f1o Dios, but when the clock struck 12:00 am, he and his family rapidly proceeded to open all the presents that were now piled under the tree. And Little Carlos was happy with his new bike and his new toys.<\/span>\n\n
![\"Ni\u00f1o](\"https:\/\/colture.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Ni\u00f1o-Dios1.jpg\")
\u00a9 Photograph by Gustavo V\u00edctor Olmos[\/caption]\n\nThe story of little Carlos sums up how this whole idea of El Ni\u00f1o Dios works (and it\u2019s, in fact, very similar to the idea of Santa Claus). The battle between Santa Claus and El Ni\u00f1o Dios began many generations ago with the influence of the Spanish and the Americans that has permeated the Latin American region for centuries. <\/span>\n\nNevertheless, in Latin American countries, the traditions are less influenced by the Anglo-Saxon celebrations, partly because of Catholicism, which is the official religion in most of these countries and was brought by the Spaniards. <\/span>\n\nNow, it\u2019s quite interesting that El Ni\u00f1o Dios, who was born right on Christmas Eve (Christmas in Spanish actually means birth), is the one bringing the presents. How does a newborn bring them then? Well, the logistics of this story have actually been at a disadvantage over Santa Claus; Santa \u2019s fantastical, yet somewhat feasible story, does explain exactly where the presents come from and how they are delivered. In contrast with El Ni\u00f1o Dios, who nobody knows for sure how he does it. In fact, if you ask kids about it, they\u2019ll probably come up with several different versions. Don\u2019t be surprised if little Carlos tells you that El Ni\u00f1o Dios comes in a magical flying car or if another kid tells you that El Ni\u00f1o Dios owns every single toy store where he gets all the presents.<\/span>\n\nAnother known version says that God is actually the one who sends the presents, but he can\u2019t deliver them because there\u2019s no ladder from Heaven to Earth, so he asks El Ni\u00f1o Dios to distribute them for him.<\/span>\n\nBut whatever the backstory might be (there has to be an original or a more accurate one that someone somewhere knows), El Ni\u00f1o Dios lights up Christmas for Colombian kids each year. It\u2019s inevitable that the little ones start to smile when they see the presents under the Christmas tree.<\/span>\n\n![\"Ni\u00f1o](\"https:\/\/colture.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Ni\u00f1o-Dios2.jpg\")
\u00a9 Photograph by pinterest.com[\/caption]\n\nIt\u2019s also important to know that we have a mix of traditions at Christmas. People here actually advertise and believe the whole story of Santa Claus and the reindeers, while still expecting El Ni\u00f1o Dios. And this is, as I said before, part of our mixed heritage of the Anglo-Saxon and the Spaniards\u2019 culture (even if one is more relevant and present than the other). Truth is, we don\u2019t believe one story more than the other. <\/span>\n\nThe Christmas tree and the <\/span>pesebre<\/span><\/i>, which is a nativity scene that represents the birth of Baby Jesus (its production is quite a big deal in Colombia and it\u2019s always placed next to the tree), are two traditions that show this mixed heritage we proudly have and share with the world.<\/span>\n\nIf you happen to be in Colombia during the holidays, you can\u2019t miss the magic of this day with your family and friends. El Ni\u00f1o Dios brings presents to everyone and is an important part of a very special day (read our articles <\/span>Christmas and New Year\u2019s traditions in Bogot\u00e1: Aguinaldos<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Bogot\u00e1: a Christmas lights show that you have to experience <\/span><\/a>to know about other ways of having fun at Christmas). <\/span>\n\nAnd remember not to confuse him with Santa Claus!<\/span>\n\nWas this article useful? Do you know other cool stuff about Christmas traditions in Bogot\u00e1? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage <\/span>Colture <\/span><\/a>to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/span>","post_title":"Colombian Christmas traditions: Ni\u00f1o Dios vs. Santa Claus","post_excerpt":"Founded in Catholicism, every Christmas Eve, Colombian kids patiently wait for El Ni\u00f1o Dios (God Child or Baby Jesus) to deliver the presents under the tree.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"nino-dios","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-11-26 15:23:20","post_modified_gmt":"2019-11-26 20:23:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2059","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2050,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-12-20 12:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-12-20 17:00:00","post_content":"Christmas is the best time to have fun. And among all the lights, presents, and food, there\u2019s also the music! Christmas carols (villancicos) are a must during the holidays, and in Bogot\u00e1 (or anywhere in Colombia), it\u2019s no exception. Be prepared to deliver the most wonderful concerts with the coolest Colombian Christmas instruments you\u2019ll find during the holidays!<\/b>\n\nNothing beats the sound of music at Christmas; every Colombian knows that. When I was little, my mother used to bring me these cool maracas so I could sing and play along with the Christmas carols (read our article <\/span>Villancicos: Christmas songs to listen to in December<\/a>)<\/span>. <\/span>\n\nAnd I\u2019m pretty sure that most of the kids in this country enjoy doing the same thing during the holidays. In Colombia, we let our spirits fly with the magic of this time of the year and there's no denying that is partly because of the wonderful melodies we hear and share with our loved ones. Therefore, Colombians are very enthusiastic about participating in Christmas carols with guitars, maracas, or tambourines and it\u2019s even common for children to make their own musical instruments as well. <\/span>\nTop five coolest musical instruments we play at Christmas<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n \t
Maracas:<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
![\"maracas\"](\"https:\/\/colture.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Colombian-Christmas-Instruments1.jpg\")
\u00a9 Photograph by es.aliexpress.com[\/caption]\n\nThey are very traditional in Latin Music and a must for Christmas! Most studies agree that the maraca came from the indigenous tribes in Latin America. Maracas are basically made up of a spherical part and a handle that adheres to it. Inside, they have small percussive elements such as stones, seeds, pieces of glass, rice, etc. Maracas are the easiest instruments to play, and everyone can do it (even babies get a maraca as one of the first toys to play with). Just shake them (one in each hand) with all your energy and passion according to the rhythm! \u00a0<\/span>\n\n \t
Cascabel:<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
![\"cascabel\"](\"https:\/\/colture.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Colombian-Christmas-Instruments2.jpg\")
\u00a9 Photograph by kankas.com[\/caption]\n\nThe Colombian jingle bells (a rattle basically). It\u2019s a small metallic sphere with a little opening, and on the inside, it has a smaller sphere. The sound is produced by the clash between the two. The cascabel is an indispensable part of any villancico and you can find it either with a wooden stick attached to hold it or with a wooden bracelet of sorts to wear it. And, like the other instruments I mention here, it doesn\u2019t require any practice or special skill, making it perfect for anyone at any age. The cascabel definitely sounds and feels like Christmas! <\/span>\n\n \t
Peque\u00f1o tambor:<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
![\"Colombian](\"https:\/\/colture.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Colombian-Christmas-Instruments3.jpg\")
\u00a9 Photograph by DealeXtreme[\/caption]\n\nThis type of drum is one of the instruments that attract children the most at Christmas. Coming straight from African ancestors, the tambor (or tambour), besides being very popular, is also a crucial part of Latin music. Singing Christmas carols with a little drum is a necessary experience for any child! The tambor is very easy to play and you can actually do it with your hands or with the drumsticks. If you do not have one at home, you can make it with recycled materials. Many people consider the tambor to be a musical instrument that lights up the soul and truth is, you feel the sound and the rhythm within you!<\/span>\n\n \t
Pandereta:<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
![\"Colombian](\"https:\/\/colture.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Colombian-Christmas-Instruments4.jpg\")
\u00a9 Photograph by wellindat.es[\/caption]\n\nI mean, who doesn\u2019t have one at their house?<\/span> Villancicos without a pandereta (tambourine) are like Christmas without lights. Its popular use can be traced back as far as ancient Egypt and even Mozart used it (yep, you heard right!). Panderetas are probably one of the easiest instruments ever to play (just hold it in your hand and tap it) and they are usually made of a plastic or wood frame with several pairs of small metal pieces that simulate the sound of a jingle bell. You can never go wrong with a pandereta at Christmas! <\/span>\n\n \t
Arm\u00f3nica:<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
![\"Colombian](\"https:\/\/colture.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Colombian-Christmas-Instruments5.jpg\")
\u00a9 Photograph by es.aliexpress.com[\/caption]\n\nI think this one makes such a beautiful sound! The arm\u00f3nica (or harmonica) is a small musical instrument that is played with the mouth by blowing into holes in its side. They produce sound from the vibration of the reeds in the metal casing. The arm\u00f3nica was first invented in China a few thousand years ago and it\u2019s quite easy to play. It's also a great addition to the \u201corquesta\u201d when singing villancicos. Arm\u00f3nicas are definitely a must for the holiday festivities!<\/span>\nBonus: Aplausos<\/b>!<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Colombian](\"https:\/\/colture.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Colombian-Christmas-Instruments6.png\")
\u00a9 Photograph by rawpexel[\/caption]\n\nYes, clapping is the easiest, but most iconic instrument to play at Christmas! And you don\u2019t have to find it or make it because it\u2019s a part of you! If we don\u2019t happen to have any of the instruments I named above, guess what we do? We clap with the rhythm while we sing and it\u2019s a wonderful experience!<\/span>\n\nMost of the instruments I named above are quite easy to make in your very own house and with simple materials. In fact, part of their charm is the hand-crafted appearance they typically have. If you want to learn how to make some of these you can watch the following Youtube videos :<\/span>\n