On Wednesday, Nov. 12, the Latin American Studies Club brought one of Colombia’s most beloved holiday traditions to Johns Hopkins SAIS: Día de las Velitas, the celebration that ushers in the Christmas season through candlelight, community, and shared hopes for the year ahead. This student-led initiative, spearheaded by first-year Latin American Studies Club representative Daniela Castiblanco, welcomed students, staff, and faculty to an evening centered on culture, food, reflection, and community building.
The event featured a special guest, Ana María Bermúdez, consul at the Colombian Consulate in Washington. She opened the evening with a brief presentation on the meaning of Día de las Velitas in Colombian culture. Bermúdez explained how families gather on Dec. 7 to light candles symbolizing gratitude and new beginnings, marking the unofficial start of the holiday season. She also offered an overview of the Consulate’s work in Washington and its commitment to supporting Colombian nationals and strengthening cultural ties with academic communities like SAIS. Her remarks added a thoughtful and personal dimension to the celebration, which was followed by a networking reception that encouraged further connection among attendees.
The evening showcased a colorful spread of Colombian flavors, including buñuelos, empanadas, mini pandebonos, and hot chocolate. Their warm aroma and familiar holiday sweetness evoked Bogotá’s December evenings, when street corners glow with candles and neighbors gather to share food, music, and conversation.
In the spirit of the season, the event also featured a donation drive to support children in need in Bogotá. Students contributed toys, school supplies, and small gifts that will be delivered to local organizations serving underserved communities. The generosity of the SAIS community brought an added layer of purpose to the celebration and extended its impact beyond campus.
The program continued with handwritten wishes for 2026, candle-lighting moments shared among friends, a lively salsa demonstration led by LASC members, and a Colombian trivia segment that sparked friendly competition and laughter. These activities brought together students from across programs and backgrounds, reflecting the holiday’s emphasis on unity and collective joy.
To capture the spirit of the initiative, Castiblanco shared her reflections:
“This is a perfect opportunity to immerse SAIS students in the Christmas warmth and joy. This year, SAIS has a larger group of Colombian students who took this chance to bring to life our traditions, music, and culture while creating a celebration that feels like home for everyone.”
Her sentiment was echoed by LASC Culture Chair Maria Paula Ramírez, who emphasized the meaning of seeing the community come together:
“It was very heartwarming to see the SAIS student body participate and enjoy such a special Colombian holiday. It is beautiful to see students from different cultures and backgrounds appreciate everything from this event, from the food to the dance.”
SAIS attendee David Aguilar also reflected on the experience:
“The Día de las Velitas celebration was an amazing opportunity for the SAIS community to partake in a little-known Colombian cultural experience to mark the beginning of Christmas. It was wonderful to see how many students were interested in taking part in this tradition while learning its history and enjoying some great salsa. Great job LASC!”
The strong turnout and enthusiastic participation reaffirmed the growing demand for cultural spaces at SAIS where students can gather outside the classroom and connect with the regions they study. Día de las Velitas not only honored a cherished Colombian tradition but also strengthened community bonds as the semester comes to a close and finals approach.
The Latin American Studies Club looks forward to continuing this momentum and expanding opportunities to celebrate the richness and diversity of Latin America in the months ahead.
Edited by: Krithiga Narayanan