Colombia is a fun, festive country to visit during the holiday season of Christmas through the New Year. Throughout the towns, strings of Christmas lights hang from homes, restaurants, and along streets. Each park shines with colorful lights and decorations. And many Colombians have time off to celebrate the season.
Medellin:
I was in Medellin from Dec 8th until the 20th and back from the 26th until January 4th. The top attractions of the season are probably the 2 largest displays of holiday lights in the city. One is at Rio Parque (the River Park). The river is multi-colored with lights; and decorations are set up on both sides. Just off of the river park are many street food vendors selling arepas, fried plantains, corn on the cob, and meats.
The largest light display is at Parque Norte. This is actually an amusement park, but it’s free to enter and walk around to enjoy the decor. My favorite section had music that periodically played with dancing lights. This year the light display was a farm theme. Both Rio Parque and Parque Norte are extremely popular with the locals, so be ready for crowds. Lots of crowds!
I was back in Medellin for New Years Eve. My friends and I found an outdoor stage with a live Colombian band. They played music and as the night proceeded people began to dance. At midnight everyone was given a handheld firework to light in celebration of the new year.
Cartagena:
I met some friends in Cartagena on December 20th for a couple days. The large clock was completely lit up at night, other giant decorations included Christmas bulb ornaments and ribbons. We headed to Isla Grande next, but returned to Cartagena on Christmas Day. Everyone was walking around, eating, drinking, and socializing around the city.
Isla Grande:
We spend a couple days, including Christmas Eve, on Isla Grande. This is the largest of the Rosario Islands just off of Cartagena. We stayed at Cocoliso Resort. This is the one location in Colombia where there weren’t many Christmas lights. But we fully enjoyed the pool, walking around the island, the bioluminescent plankton, and snorkeling. They did have a decorated Christmas tree and served an excellent Christmas Eve dinner though.
Guatapé:
We visited the town of Guatape a few days before New Years.. and I loved the lights in the main plaza!
Jardin:
And just when I thought the holidays were over… I headed to the supposedly quiet town of Jardin only to find there was one holiday left. On January 6th they celebrate the arrival of the wise men to visit Christ after his birth. Therefore the plaza was completely packed. Music was blaring from the bars. Tables and chairs covered the streets, food vendors were set up, and a stage for live music sat in front of the church.
So if you are looking for somewhere to celebrate the holidays… consider Colombia!
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