John, The holiday season is a time of celebration during which loved ones gather around food and music to observe the traditions we treasure. Throughout Latin America, from Colombia to Cuba, loved ones meet to celebrate community and reflect on the year ahead. I thought it would be fun to share some holiday traditions from the countries in which WOLA works: |
Colombians celebrate La Noche de las Velitas by lighting miles of candles throughout their neighborhoods and public spaces commemorating the Virgin Mary’s immaculate conception, and officially kicking off the holiday season. |
During La Quemada del Diablo en Guatemala in early December, Guatemalans burn effigies of the devil to symbolize their letting go of the previous year and its challenges, and to celebrate their hope for the year ahead. |
In Honduras, Las Posadas bring neighbors together to re-enact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter and culminate in a grand party to celebrate Jesus’ birth. |
Children in Mexico anxiously wait for the three wise men in anticipation of a gift they might have left in their shoe. The celebration of El Dia de los Reyes Magos concludes with feasts of tamales and the traditional rosca de reyes. |
Las Parrandas of central Cuba, bring neighboring communities together to show off their unique floats, musical bands, and firework displays. Neighborhoods work year-round to prepare the most exciting changui (parade). The changuis culminate in an all-out regional party celebrating the year-long preparations and the heritage of the central provinces. These rich and diverse celebrations remind me of why WOLA does what it does–our ongoing advocacy for human rights in Latin America helps protect the freedoms and dignity of the people–and in that, we join them in celebrating community and hope for a better future. |
