In Colombia, December is not just a month; it's a feeling woven between lights, aromas of natilla and buñuelos, and the echo of prayers that unite families. The Novena de Aguinaldos, that tradition that precedes Christmas, is a nine-day ritual where faith and culture embrace. Each evening, from December 16th to 24th, homes, plazas, and churches fill with voices reciting centuries-old prayers, asking for lodging for the Baby Jesus as Joseph and Mary did. It is not just a religious act; it is a living heritage that connects generations, a reminder that, amidst modern hustle, there is still space for pause and devotion.
Full Text of Day 5 Prayers with Traditional Gozos
Day 5 of the novena marks a point of deepening in spiritual preparation. Here, prayers intertwine with gozos, joyful songs that celebrate the hope of birth. In its most traditional version, the words flow with a poetic rhythm that has withstood the passage of time. Below, we present the faithful text, as it has been passed down in many regions of Colombia:
Prayer for every day:
"¡Oh, Sapientia, que ex ore Altissimi prodisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviter disponensque omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae!"
Gozos:
"A la huella, a la huella,
que ya viene el Redentor,
a la huella, a la huella,
que ya viene con amor.
Cantemos con alegría,
que ya llega el Salvador,
y pidamos con fe pía
su divino favor."
Prayer to Saint Joseph:
"Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of Mary and foster father of Jesus, we beseech you to intercede for us before the Baby God. Protect us in our needs, guide us in virtue, and help us prepare our hearts to receive Christ this Christmas. Amen."
These words, simple yet loaded with meaning, are repeated in choirs ranging from the Andes to the coast, adapting to local accents but maintaining their essence. The gozos, in particular, are a moment of jubilation within solemnity, where voices rise in melodies that many Colombians recognize from childhood.
The Daily Prayer and Special Devotion to Saint Joseph
Each day of the novena includes a daily prayer invoking divine wisdom, symbolized in the antiphon "¡Oh, Sapientia!" This invocation, in Latin in traditional versions, reminds us that Christmas is also a time for spiritual reflection and learning. But it is the devotion to Saint Joseph that adds a special nuance to day 5. As a figure of humility and protection, Saint Joseph represents family care and patient waiting. In many homes, his prayer is said with particular fervor, asking for unity and strength in times of uncertainty. This devotion is not only religious; it is cultural, reflecting values of resilience and faith that have defined Colombian communities throughout history.
Regional Variations and Unique Cultural Expressions
The Colombian novena is not monolithic; it is a tapestry of variations that speak to the country's diversity. In regions like Antioquia and the Coffee Region, the day 5 prayers are often accompanied by guitar and tambourine music, transforming the gozos into true community celebrations. On the Caribbean Coast, the rhythm may include drums and gaitas, infusing a festive air that blends the sacred with the folkloric.
Iconic Places to Experience the Novena
- Bogotá: Plaza de Bolívar and main parks. Public novenas gather hundreds of people at dusk, with organized choirs and sharing typical foods like arepas and hot chocolate.
- Medellín: Parque de los Deseos and traditional neighborhoods like Poblado. The city lights up with Christmas lights that complement the spiritual experience.
- Cartagena: Colonial churches like the Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría. Tradition blends with the historical charm of the walled center.
- Cali: San Francisco Church and events at the Bulevar del Río. Salsa music joins traditional chants in some celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Colombian Novena
Where can I attend a novena if I visit Colombia in December?
You can find novenas in almost any Catholic church in the country, especially between December 16th and 24th. They are also common in public plazas, shopping malls, and private homes. In large cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, there are public events announced on local tourism pages.
Do I need to be Catholic to participate?
Not at all! The novena is a cultural experience open to everyone. Many tourists and visitors participate to learn about Colombian tradition. The important thing is to respect the prayer moment and enjoy the community atmosphere.
What typical foods are shared during the novena?
After the prayer, it's common to share:
- Natilla and buñuelos (the inseparable classic)
- Hot chocolate with cheese
- Cheese arepas or corn arepas
- Empanadas
- Manjar blanco and traditional sweets
How can I learn the gozos if I don't know them?
Most people learn by listening and repeating. In public novenas, they usually hand out sheets with the lyrics, and nowadays you can find versions on YouTube and apps like Spotify by searching for "gozos novena colombiana".
Tips for Experiencing It Fully
- Arrive early: Public novenas usually start between 6:00 and 7:00 PM, but people arrive early to get a good spot.
- Dress comfortably: December in Colombia can be cool in high-altitude cities like Bogotá, bring a jacket.
- Participate actively: Don't be afraid to join the singing, even if you don't know the words well.
- Try the foods: The gastronomic part is essential to the experience.
- Respect the moment: Although there is joy and music, during the main prayers silence is kept.
The Novena de Aguinaldos, and particularly day 5 with its prayers and gozos, is more than a Christmas ritual; it is an act of cultural resistance. In an accelerated world, where traditions often get lost in digital noise, these nine nights offer a space to stop, breathe, and connect with the essential. The words of day 5, with their call to wisdom and devotion to Saint Joseph, remind us that Christmas is not just about gifts or feasts, but about preparing the heart for the divine.
Participating in a novena, whether in a Colombian home or from afar, is immersing oneself in a legacy that speaks of faith, community, and hope. As a traveler or curious person, understanding these prayers is opening a window to the soul of a country that celebrates life with fervor. So, if you have the opportunity, join a choir, recite the gozos, and let the tradition envelop you. Because, ultimately, the novena is an inner journey, a path that, step by step, brings us closer to the light of Christmas.
