As December begins, a sense of celebration fills the air in Colombia and many other Latin American countries. For European businesses engaging with the region, it’s important to understand the cultural and operational context during these months. December and January are widely considered “dead months” for business in Colombia, a period when many companies close their doors and people focus on family and festive traditions.
In Colombia, the holiday season kicks off with El Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles) on December 7th. This celebration, deeply rooted in Catholic traditions, marks the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Families light candles and place colorful lanterns (faroles) outside their homes, filling the streets with warmth and light. It’s a moment to come together, make wishes, and celebrate the start of the festive season.
From this point on, the country fully embraces the holidays. Businesses often begin winding down early in December, and by December 15th, many close completely, not reopening until January 15th—or even later. This period includes Christmas, New Year’s, and El Día de los Reyes Magos (Epiphany) on January 6th.
The Colombian holiday season is all about family. Loved ones gather to share meals, exchange gifts, and enjoy time together. Traditional foods like buñuelos (fried cheese fritters) and natilla (a custard-like dessert) are staples of the festivities, often accompanied by aguardiente (a traditional alcoholic drink) or hot chocolate. Music, dancing, and joy are integral to the celebrations, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
What This Means for Business
For European businesses accustomed to shorter holiday breaks—typically from Christmas to New Year’s—it may come as a surprise that the holiday period in Colombia is so extensive. This cultural difference is critical to consider when planning operations, negotiations, or project timelines. During December and January, business activity in Colombia slows significantly, with most companies and their employees unavailable.
Understanding this dynamic helps set realistic expectations. It’s not just that individuals are on vacation; businesses themselves often pause operations entirely. Planning ahead and scheduling critical activities outside of this timeframe can help avoid delays and ensure smoother collaboration.
While business might take a backseat during this period, it’s also an opportunity to strengthen relationships with Colombian partners by acknowledging and respecting their traditions. A simple gesture of wishing them well during the holidays can go a long way in fostering goodwill and collaboration.
From ALKADO, we wish everyone—especially Colombians, who start their festivities a bit earlier—a joyful and peaceful holiday season.
