To me, one of Bogotá's prettiest and most touching traditions is the annual Noche de las Velitas, or Night of the Little Candles, which symbolically inaugurates the Christmas season. Bogotanos, particularly in La Candelaria, put lighted candles in doorways, windowsills and sidewalks.

December in Colombia means several things with names that are quite likely as of yet unrecognizable to you: novenas and alumbrados, natillas and buñuelos, though if you spend any time in Colombia during this time of year you will quickly become well acquainted with them.