| photo courtesy of our friends at Ahorrando Dolares www.ahorrandolares.com |
There is one family tradition that I cherish and try to keep alive with my little ones. It is called “El Dia de las Velitas” Translated it is very straight forward: the day of the Little candles , really it is the day of the luminaries.
It started off as a religious holiday honoring the Virgin Mary, but as time has passed, and governments have increasingly separated themselves from the church in Latin America, it is more of a fantastic get-together. Of course, many still observe the religious aspect of the day.
Normally, everyhousehold lights up candles at dusk on balconies, porches and backyards. Candles are left alone until they go out on their own. Paper lanterns are also used which give an additional feel dimension to the celebrations. Kids really enjoy this part. Many times the smaller ones blow out the candles several times as if celebrating someone’s birthday.
For a few years, this goes off with a boom and really kicks off the holiday season down South of the border. Friends and family are invited over to help light the candles, but it this is accompanied by a fabulous offering of food and snacks typical to the season such as natilla or bunuelos. A great excuse to take a moment from our busy lives and the hectic rush of this time of year.
Sometimes, fireworks are involved. But, my favorite of all the details of the gathering are the “globos” or giant luminaries. Unfortunately, these are forbidden in the US for security reason, you will see why.
The globos are giant paper lanterns that have a “mecha” or fuse at the bottom. The fuse is usually a wire crossing that holds a piece of rag that has been soaked in some type of burning element such as alcohol. Once lit, the flame then fill the lantern with heat that along with other scientific explanations, makes the lantern rise and float on its own. Think of a balloon full of Helium. The globos are sent off with Christmas wishes and happiness for all.
When the lantern takes off, cheers, hurray’s and applauses are in order. The moment truly marks a triumph and lifts up further everyone’s spirits.
With everyone doing the same in the city, the night sky is filled with these lanterns that take the place of stars (which because of city lights we don’t see any more)
Now you understand why I can’t do this in the USA, but we do continue with all the other components of the celebration, and now watch how globos take our in our cities via Facetime
Only the most experienced take to this globo task. It is a dangerous one, as fire can catch quickly. So, we do not recommend trying this at home, but we did want to share with you our memories, and traditions
What tradition are you keeping for the holiday season?
This is a sponsored post as a Britax Latina Advisory Board Member and Blogger. As always, all opinions, ideas, and stories stated here are clearly my own
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Que linda tradición de tu país! me alegra haberla conocido, muchas gracias por la información!
Namaste!
http://www.MamiHolisticayGenial.com
Que linda tradición. Una de mis favoritas.
Que bella tradición me encanta ver que aunque las personas vivan en otro país sigan manteniendo vivas sus raíces culturales.
aww what a sweet tradition. uhmm I think the only one that I keep is to wait til midnight on Christmas to open the presents. we don’t wait until the next day telling the kids that Santa Claus is coming, instead we talk to them about their behavior, why is important to celebrate and that God is the one providing all that they have and need. I think that’s our family tradition now 🙂
Es lo que mas extrano de mi pais. Nosotros encendemos las velitas la noche del 7 de diciembre y celebramos las novenas. Los ninos los disfrutan mucho!
Qué linda tradición! No la conocía. Gracias por compartir!
I had no idea of this tradition but I like it!.. Something new to add to my list
Que linda tradición todos los días se aprende algo nuevo 😉
I never knew about this. I love being able to learn about other cultures. Thank you for sharing.
I had never heard of this tradition. It really does sound magical.
I never heard of this tradition either–but I can just imagine watching all the paper latterns lighting up the skys–it must be magnificent
This sounds like a great tradition!!
This is such a wonderful tradition. Thank you so much for sharing. We don’t really have any traditions, but I really wish we had something special like this.
Thank you for sharing an important tradition with us. What day is it on? I love learning and experiencing other cultural traditions. I think it is sad that traditions get lost over time.
Thank you for sharing your tradition. My son is fascinated by fire, alittle too fascinated so I have to be careful
lol I seen your comment and thought mine probably is to, just more than I know.
Great Tradition its neat to hear about what other people celebrate!
That sounds like a very good tradition to pass along to your children. I miss our religious practices back home.
It is always interesting to learn a different tradition from other country! The globos, really looks like an air balloon.
we had luminaries in our church. the priest blessed the candles and on the feast of Blaise, patron of throat illness.
* cont… he will use the candles for a healing blessing.
Pretty nice, i like to use candles in any occassion too, it shows romance in the air