Meet the Afro-Colombian people who celebrate Christmas in the middle of February: this is it

Colombia is a country of great cultural diversity , evident in its accents, cuisine, music, and, above all, in the way it celebrates its holidays. Each region transforms religious and popular celebrations into unique expressions that blend memory, resilience, and joy. In one part of the country, Christmas is celebrated long before December, with a fitting and commemorative occasion. Where?

Within this mosaic of customs, there is a corner of the Cauca Valley that, every year, becomes the stage for a unique tradition: Christmas is not celebrated in December, but weeks later, in a month that surprises everyone, keeping alive a heritage passed down from generation to generation.

On the official calendar, Christmas usually arrives with lights, carols, and dinners on December 24 and 25. However, in Quinamayó, a town of about 6,000 inhabitants located just minutes from Jamundí, in the heart of Valle del Cauca, Afro-Colombian residents celebrate this holiday on February 18.

Quinamayó: Afro-Colombian Christmas in February

This tradition, which transforms its streets into a vibrant cultural setting marked by music, processions, dance, and traditional flavors, dates back to the era of slavery and has endured as a way of transforming a history of oppression into a social celebration.

In the 19th century, the region's Afro-descendants were required to work during December, attending the landowners' celebrations. Thus, once the harvests were over and the time of rest that, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary had after the birth of Jesus had passed, the community found its own space of freedom and joy 40 days after the traditional date.

In Quinamayó, this commemoration is not only a religious act, but also an affirmation of identity. Thus, the figure of the "Black Child God" occupies a central place in the celebration, reflecting the community's inclusion in the Christian narrative. As an article published by The New York Times states, many indigenous communities combined Western Christian culture with their own ancestral traditions.

What does the celebration include?

The celebration includes parades with women dressed in floral costumes, pageants celebrating the bearers of the tradition, musical performances, dances, and the tasting of traditional dishes. The children are the true protagonists of the processions, ensuring that the tradition continues into the future.

In recent years , according to the Ministry of Culture, this celebration has established itself as a cultural spectacle in southwestern Colombia and has begun to attract visitors from different regions of the country and even from abroad, who come to Quinamayó to experience a unique Christmas, steeped in history and culture.

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What other attractions does Quinamayó have?

For those who want to know the place, they can enjoy some important points:

1. Quinamayó Church

Located in the center of town, this church is a symbol of faith and resilience. During the celebration of the Black Child Jesus in February, special masses are held that reflect the community's cultural identity.

2. Wetlands Ecological Trail

This approximately 7.5 km trail allows you to explore the local biodiversity, ideal for hiking and birdwatching enthusiasts.

3. Puddles of the Quinamayó River

Located in the neighboring municipality of Santander de Quilichao, these pools, such as La Caída, La Canoa, and Charco Verde, are perfect for enjoying a refreshing swim in a natural setting.