In Colombia, December doesn't just smell of natilla and buñuelos; it sounds of carols and prayers. The novena, those nine days of spiritual preparation that culminate on Christmas Eve, is a ritual that weaves communities, unites families, and keeps alive a tradition that spans generations. Day 9, December 24, is the peak, the moment when waiting turns into celebration, and the traditional prayer takes on special weight, charged with the emotion of the eve.
The Traditional Prayer for Day 9 (December 24)
This is the most well-known version, repeated in homes from the Caribbean coast to the Andean mountains, with that blend of solemnity and joy that defines Colombian Christmas:
Blessed be the day
when Mary, for our good,
gave birth to the King of Israel,
in a manger in Bethlehem.
O Wisdom, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from one end to the other and ordering all things with strength and gentleness! Come to teach us the path of prudence.
O Adonai, Shepherd of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the burning bush and on Sinai gave him your law! Come to deliver us with the power of your arm.
O Root of Jesse, who stands as a banner for the peoples, before whom kings fall silent and nations plead! Come to deliver us, delay no more.
O Key of David, who opens and no one closes, closes and no one opens! Come and free the captives who live in darkness and in the shadow of death.
O Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice! Come to enlighten those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death.
O King of the Nations and Desire of the nations, cornerstone that makes two peoples one! Come and save the man you formed from clay.
O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, hope of the nations and Savior of the peoples! Come to save us, Lord our God.
Come, Lord, and do not delay.
Forgive the sins of your people.
This prayer, with its invocations to the O Antiphons (Sapientia, Adonai, Radix Jesse, Clavis David, Oriens, Rex Gentium, Emmanuel), is a poetic and theological journey. It's not just a prayer; it's a reminder that Christmas, at its essence, is a promise fulfilled. In many homes, as it is recited, you can already smell the dinner being prepared, children gaze eagerly at the nativity scene, and adults exchange knowing glances: the wait is about to end.
Prayers for All Days of the Novena: A Summary of Each Day
The novena is a nine-day walk, each with its own focus and prayer. This is how it's lived, day by day:
- Day 1 (December 16): Focuses on the humility and poverty of Jesus at birth. The prayer asks for detachment and simplicity.
- Day 2 (December 17): Reflects on charity and love for neighbor. It asks for a generous heart.
- Day 3 (December 18): Addresses detachment from material things and the search for the spiritual.
- Day 4 (December 19): Centers on obedience to God's will, like that of Mary.
- Day 5 (December 20): Speaks of purity of heart and sincere intention.
- Day 6 (December 21): Reflects on the joy of the approaching birth.
- Day 7 (December 22): Asks for inner peace and peace for the world.
- Day 8 (December 23): Focuses on gratitude for blessings received.
- Day 9 (December 24): Celebrates the arrival of Jesus, with the traditional prayer that culminates the cycle.
Each day usually includes gozos (carols), biblical readings, and petitions. In some regions, like the Coffee Axis, décimas or coplas are added; on the Coast, the singing may have more rhythm. The structure is a skeleton that each family dresses in its own way.
Cultural Context and How to Participate Respectfully
The novena is not a tourist event; it is an intimate act of faith and community. Attending one, as a visitor, is a privilege that requires sensitivity. It is usually held in homes, churches, or squares, at dusk. Candles are lit, the nativity scene is assembled little by little, and foods like natilla, buñuelos, or hot chocolate are shared.
If you are invited, go with quiet curiosity. Observe, listen, participate if you feel comfortable praying or singing, but never force your presence. Ask about local traditions: in Nariño, novenas may be more solemn; in Medellín, more festive with Christmas lights in the background. Accept what is offered to you—a buñuelo, a glass of agua de panela—and thank with a smile.
Where to Experience the Novena in Colombia
If you want to immerse yourself in this tradition, here are some places where you can experience the novena authentically:
- Bogotá: The Primada Cathedral of Colombia in Plaza de Bolívar offers solemn novenas with impressive choirs. Address: Carrera 7 #10-80, Bogotá. Website: catedralprimada.org. View on Google Maps.
- Medellín: The Park of Lights and the Church of La Veracruz are iconic during December. Address: Carrera 52 #48-58, Medellín. View on Google Maps.
- Cartagena: The Church of San Pedro Claver in the historic center offers novenas with Caribbean influence. Address: Plaza de San Pedro Claver, Cartagena. View on Google Maps.
- Popayán: Known as the White City, its colonial churches offer traditional novenas. Address: Historic Center, Popayán. View on Google Maps.
Frequently Asked Questions about Colombian Novenas
What should I bring if I'm invited to a novena?
Arrive with respect and an open mind. It's not necessary to bring anything, but if you want to contribute, you can bring natilla, buñuelos, or chocolate to share. The most important thing is your willingness to participate and learn.
Can I attend if I'm not religious?
Of course! Many people attend to learn about the culture and traditions. Just maintain respect during prayers and songs, observe, and appreciate the cultural experience.
How long does a novena last?
Usually between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on the family or community. It includes prayers, singing, readings, and sharing food.
Are there regional differences in novenas?
Yes, each region has its own stamp. On the Caribbean Coast they are more musical, in the Coffee Axis they include décimas, in Nariño they are more solemn, and in Medellín they tend to be more festive with Christmas lights.
Colombian Christmas, at its heart, is this: a collective prayer that turns into an embrace, a tradition that isn't kept in museums but is lived in living rooms with borrowed chairs and voices that, even if off-key, sing from the soul. Day 9 is the climax, but each day of the novena is a seed of that joy that bursts forth on Christmas Eve. To participate, even as an observer, is to understand that here the celebration doesn't start on the 24th; it is built, day by day, with patience and faith, from the 16th.
