Since its creation in 2018, the Colombia in Yucatan Association has worked to keep Colombian customs and traditions alive in Yucatan lands. This 2024 marks the third consecutive edition of the Noche de Velitas (Night of Candles), after the pause caused by the pandemic.
In addition to this celebration, the Association holds other cultural events, such as the Independence Day celebration on July 20, which attracts hundreds of people and has become a benchmark for integration for the Colombian community.
The Colombia in Yucatan Association celebrated one of the most significant traditions of its culture: the lighting of candles in honor of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. This holiday, which represents the beginning of the Christmas season in Colombia, not only connects Colombians with their roots but also strengthens ties with the Yucatecan community that has welcomed them.
María Clara Murgueitio, president of the Association, recalled how this event has evolved, going from being a religious commemoration to a community holiday that is experienced in all Colombian homes during this date. “It is a time to unite, remember our traditions, and share them with friends and loved ones here in Mérida,” she said.
With an expanding community that includes binational families and generations born in Yucatán, the Colombian presence in Mérida has enriched the local cultural landscape. These events not only preserve the roots of those who migrated, but also foster dialogue and understanding between sister cultures.
TYT Newsroom
