When it comes to Christmas lights in Colombia, Medellín gets all the headlines. With good reason. The nation’s second-biggest city puts on a luminescent show as stunning as anywhere in the world.
But the capital can hold its own. Each year, starting even in November, Bogotá lights up. From the quaint cobblestone park in Usaquen to the majestic Cathedral of Bogotá in Plaza Bolívar, there are glowing bulbs to behold up and down the city.
Last night was particularly illuminating, as the “Noche de las Velitas” (the Night of the Little Candles) saw families, couples, and — tragically this year — those mourning Yuliana lighting millions of candles in homes, parks, and establishments of all kinds.
While it would be impossible to capture it all, this year The City Paper roamed the streets to bring you some of the high “lights” of Bogotá’s Christmas spirit.
Even though construction began more than 200 years ago on Cathedral of Bogotá, it currently shines brighter than ever. (Credit: Jared Wade)Putting the city’s name in lights on Carrera Septima. (Credit: Jared Wade)A star fills in for mistletoe in La Candelaria. (Credit: Jared Wade)Hacienda Santa Barbara is one of the most vibrantly lit buildings in the capital. (Credit: Jared Wade)Outside of the apartment building where seven-year-old Yuliana was found raped and murdered, Colombian children light candles to mourn her. (Credit: Jared Wade)The Colpatria Tower shines above every other building in Bogotá. (Credit: Jared Wade)Lighting velitas in Usaquen. (Credit: Jared Wade)Not to be outdone by low-wattage bulbs and little candles, fireworks exploded high into the night over the Centro on La Noche de las Velitas. (Credit: Jared Wade)A fountain beside a cluster of banks in Chapinero features glowing polar bears and penguins. (Credit: Jared Wade)A man leaves a letter to Yuliana outside of the apartment where her body was found in Chapinero. (Credit: Jared Wade)Independence Park has rainbow-like arcs of color marking its walkways. (Credit: Jared Wade)The array in Usaquen’s plaza is less garish than it was last year — but still absolutely full of lights. (Credit: Jared Wade)Even dogs love La Noche de las Velitas. (Credit: Jared Wade)Look closely — Santa stopped by Colombia early this year. (Credit: Jared Wade)La Candelaria is the star of the capital’s tourism tour and this sculpture of light guides the way towards Plaza Bolívar. (Credit: Jared Wade)A candle for her memory, a candle for justice, a candle for Yuliana. (Credit: Jared Wade)
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