Día de las Velitas (Colombian "Candle Fest") in Japan?!

Since I came to Japan, I've always celebrated this day alone or with a handful of close friends, because it’s such a special occasion for me. But this year, things were a little different haha. Minamidate-san (A resident of Ichinohe), wanted me to help him organize a light-up celebration for the newly renovated “酒屋煉瓦” (An former Sake Shop made with Red Bricks) and suggested we team up to bring Día de las Velitas to life in Japan. So, if I’m being honest, once we came up with the idea, I couldn't believe it myself lol. I mean, who would’ve thought that a Colombian tradition would make it all the way to Japan? Especially with unpredictable weather and rain? But the response was amazing, especially considering that most people didn’t even know what they were getting into, except for the flyer with some info.

Rain, No Problem! The Show Must Go On

On December 7th, less than 30 people showed up, and for many of them, it was the first time they’d ever heard of Día de las Velitas. Despite the rain pouring down all night, the weather didn’t stop anyone. Against all expectations, people came and stayed throughout the entire event! It was pure magic! 

We set up over 130 candles, and even though the wind and rain blew them out a bunch of times, some of them stood tall until the very end. (By the way, on this day, if the candles blow out, it’s no big deal. We just light them up again, and that’s exactly what we did!) To complement the view, we also set up a controlled bonfire and a BBQ area, where guests roasted marshmallows, grilled sausages, and gathered around drinking wine and other beverages they brought, like Japanese sake, beer, Amasake(a traditional fermented rice drink), and Lemon Sour. 

The food and drinks, though simple, were the driving force that kept people around to chat, share stories, and enjoy the night. (I even saw a random encounter between two people who hadn't seen each other in years — it was like destiny reunited them that night, which was kinda cool.)

Fire! But Safely (and in Style)

Now, my biggest concern was the fire. As Colombians, we know how serious candles are. But of course, being in Japan, where fire safety is no joke, I made sure to take all the right precautions with the help of Minamidate-san. We took a bunch of wood, screwed it together, and then arranged all the candles carefully. 

We had a fire extinguisher on hand, placed the candles in safe spots, and made sure everything was under control at all times. The most amazing part was seeing how, just like in Colombia, the parents and grandparents took care of the candles with so much love and attention. It was like the spirit of the tradition traveled across oceans! 

Also, Minamidate-san, always willing to help, provided us with a tent to shield us from the rain, which saved the night and also kept the bonfire going! 

The Tradition: Candles, Wishes, and the Magic of Community

Now, let me explain a bit about why the Day of the Little Candles is so special. In Colombia, this day is about more than just lighting candles. It’s a moment of reflection, of hope, and of wishing for good things in the year ahead. People light their candles on balconies, windowsills, or streets, and each candle represents a wish or a prayer for something they desire or hope for.

It’s tradition to ask for something good (sometimes big, sometimes small, but always meaningful. You light your candle, make your wish, and then protect it until the candle is completely consumed. But it’s not just about your own wishes. It’s also about protecting others' wishes, even if they're strangers. 

It's really beautiful how at the end of the night, most of the people remaining are a bunch of dads who instinctively protect other’s desires in Colombia, and the same happened here in Japan! And it was a beautiful reminder of the magic that happens when communities come together, even in the middle of a downpour. 

Lessons Learned: Food + Community = Success

One of the biggest lessons I learned was that while the event itself was special, what really made it unforgettable were the little things: food, drinks, Latin American music, lighting up the candles whenever they blew out, and a warm, dry place to gather. Even though the candles were the stars of the event, people stayed longer because they felt comfortable and welcomed. 

Next year, I’ll definitely try to do it again! I'm not sure if we’ll be at the same place, but I want to improve the logistics: maybe more food and drinks (almost all the drinks were alcoholic haha, and the sausages ran out really quick), and definitely a bigger space so people can gather safely. Although it was a Colombian celebration, everyone who visited embraced the spirit of the event with warmth and enthusiasm, which honestly surprised me. At the end of the day, what mattered most wasn’t just lighting the candles or the light-up of the building, but how events like this can bring people together, especially when the temperatures drop and the nights get longer.