Las Novenas (Christmas Prayers)

Dec 8, 2025 by Erica Dinho · 26 Comments

Las Novenas are daily prayers beginning nine days before Christmas, to prepare before the arrival of El Niño Jesus (the baby Jesus).

I shared a post with Colombian Christmas and New Year's Traditions before, but I wanted to give some of my favorite traditions the spotlight.

What are Las Novenas?

They are celebrated each year between December 16 and December 24. We go from one relative’s home to another every night and gather around the pesebre(nativity) and have Christmas appetizers, pray and sing villancicos (Christmas carols), which we sing along with rattles we make of bottle caps passed through a wire, panderetas or maracas.

It's a beautiful celebration that brings family and friends together. Kids and adults love this Colombian Christmas tradition.

Here is a list of popular dishes to serve during "La Novena".

Colombian Buñuelos Recipe

Buñuelos are a traditional Colombian Christmas treat, but they are also popular year round for breakfast with hot chocolate or coffee. On December 7th in Colombia, friends get together to celebrate “el dia e las velitas”, a Christmas tradition in honor of the Virgin Mary. They light candles in front of their houses or on.

Check out this recipe

Buñuelos Colombianos (Colombian Buñuelos)|mycolombianrecipes.com

Coconut Natilla Recipe

Natilla is a sweet custard that is traditionally served during Colombian Christmas gatherings. There are many variations of this dish throughout the country but this Natilla is my grandmother’s recipe and is very special to me. I called my mom and one of my aunts for the recipe, but they didn’t have it because they

Check out this recipe

Colombian Hojuelas or Hojaldras Recipe

I want to share another traditional Colombian Christmas treat with you. These Hojuelas or Hojaldras are a delicious fried pastry that we eat with Natilla and Buñuelos at Christmas gatherings. Just writing this post made me homesick and I began missing the holidays in Colombia with my family. Growing up in a big Colombian family

Check out this recipe

Natilla Tradicional Colombiana Recipe (Colombian Christmas Sweet Custard)

Natilla is a sweet custard that is traditionally served during Colombian Christmas gatherings. There are many variations of Natilla in Colombia. This traditional Colombian Natilla recipe is made with panela, a sweet brown product made from sugar cane, also known as piloncillo in Mexico. Panela is the key ingredient to make a traditional Colombian Natilla.

Check out this recipe

Colombian Sabajón Recipe

Sabajón is the Colombian version of eggnog, spiked with Aguardiente (firewater), a strong alcoholic drink made from anise and sugar cane or rum.

Check out this recipe

Fritanga o Picada Colombiana ( Fried Food Platter)

I'm a Colombian who loves and misses Colombian food, even though some of those foods are just a bit unhealthy, like this Fritanga o Picada Colombiana, a platter of fried meats and vegetables. Though fritanga is something I eat once a year, it's a traditional Colombian dish I thoroughly love and enjoy whenever I eat

Check out this recipe

Fritanga o Picada Colombiana ( Fried Food Platter)

Colombian-Style Fried Pork Belly Recipe (Chicharrón Colombiano)

Food represents heritage and tradition for Colombians. I was lucky to grow up in a family who loves to cook and memories of cooking and eating together are in my mind and my heart. Every time I cook, eat or smell traditional Colombian food, I am reminded of my country and my family. Chicharrón or

Check out this recipe

Colombian-Style Fried Pork Belly (Chicharrón Colombiano)|mycolombianrecipes.com

Colombian Empanadas Recipe

These Colombian Empanadas are a popular snack in Colombia and are served by most Colombian restaurants in the USA. Traditionally, these delicious fritters are made with shredded pork and beef, but in my family we always make them with ground meat. Serve them with ají and lime wedges on the side. In Colombia, empanadas are.

Check out this recipe

Colombian Empanadas (Empanadas Colombianas) |mycolombianrecipes.com

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About Erica Dinho

My name is Erica and I was born and raised in Colombia and now live in the northeastern United States with my husband and family. This blog was inspired by my grandmother, Mamita, who was an amazing traditional Colombian cook.

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Comments

Gera @ SweetsFoods

December 24, 2009 at 8:50 am

Merry Christmas and a Fantastic 2010 for You!!

Cheers,

Gera

Reply
Divina

December 24, 2009 at 9:03 am

Merry Christmas Erica.

Reply
Chef E

December 24, 2009 at 9:05 am

Same to you and your family, and I bet the food the next few days will be fantastic!

Reply
Miriam/The Winter Guest

December 24, 2009 at 9:41 am

Feliz Navidad, Erica!!!!!!

Reply
rebecca subbiah

December 24, 2009 at 12:01 pm

Merry Christmas love you and your great cooking

Love Rebecca

Reply
Sandra g

December 24, 2009 at 12:11 pm

Feliz Navidad Erica, May God bless you and your family here and in Colombia.

Reply
Cathy

December 24, 2009 at 12:27 pm

That's my ringtone on my cell. Best xmas song ever! Merry Christmas Erica - hope it's fabulous. Looking forward to more of your recipes next year (right now I'm drinking the coconut hot chocolate recipe you put up awhile ago...yum!)

Reply
karen

December 24, 2009 at 12:49 pm

Merry Christmas!

Reply
Melanie

December 24, 2009 at 1:17 pm

Awesome appetizers Erica.
Merry Christmas to you and you family.
Best,
Melanie

Reply
Christine @ Fresh Local and Best

December 24, 2009 at 1:32 pm

Erica, just popping in to wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday! I hope you get lots of great presents!

Reply
Simply Life

December 24, 2009 at 1:34 pm

Merry Christmas!

Reply
Gloria

December 24, 2009 at 2:09 pm

Feliz Navidad Erica, I hope you have a blessings Christmas and a lovely holidays.Con cariño, Gloria

Reply
Joan Nova

December 24, 2009 at 2:17 pm

Felicidades...all the best in the new year.

Reply
Kim

December 24, 2009 at 3:13 pm

A Very Merry Christmas to you and your family as well!

Reply
D. @ Outside Oslo

December 25, 2009 at 2:33 am

Merry Christmas, Erica! Thanks for visiting Outside Oslo and for commenting on Jenn's guest post. That's how I discovered your blog!

It's great to get to know the cuisine from other parts of the world; thanks for sharing recipes from your heritage! Anytime you're looking for some Scandinavian inspiration, come back to Outside Oslo!

Reply
Oysterculture

December 25, 2009 at 9:27 am

Feliz Navidad Have a wonderful holidays - its been a gift to have you via your blog in my life this past year. You've inspired me with all your wonderful recipes and ideas - I cannot wait to see what the new year brings

Reply
Pilar

December 25, 2009 at 11:26 am

Merry Christmas Erica!

Reply
Ivy

December 25, 2009 at 11:56 am

Feliz Navidad and Happy holidays. Happy New year with good health to you and your family.
This is the best Christmas song ever and I love Jose Feliciano, ever since I was at school.

Reply
KennyT

December 25, 2009 at 12:55 pm

Nice photo!! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Reply
Empar

December 25, 2009 at 1:37 pm

FELIZ NAVIDAD!! Erica.
Y que tengas un Año 2010, lleno de todos tus mejores deseos.
Un beso

Reply
Natalie

December 25, 2009 at 6:00 pm

Merry Christmas Erica...hope you and your family have a wonderful time !

Reply
Joy

December 25, 2009 at 9:07 pm

Merry Christmas to you and to all your loved ones!
Feliz Navidad!

Reply
Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen

December 26, 2009 at 10:57 am

Feliz Navidad Erica! Hope you have a happy new year!

Reply
Lucia

December 26, 2009 at 11:05 am

Merry Christmas!

Reply
Cynthia

December 26, 2009 at 5:34 pm

Happy Holidays!

Reply
Erica

January 01, 2010 at 7:07 pm

Thank you all for the comments and for visiting!

Reply

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