A month of festivities in Colombia
In Colombia, Christmas is celebrated over several days, or even a whole month. Alexandra and Alejandro, who live in Luxembourg, remain faithful to these traditions, but in a more modest version. Among the customs they have preserved is a dish that is emblematic of the festive season: Pechuga Rellena. The young couple also introduced us to natillas accompanied by crispy doughnuts called buñuelos.
In Luxembourg, as in many other European countries, tradition dictates that Christmas festivities last more or less three days: from 24 to 26 December. In Colombia, things are a bit different. In fact, the festivities last almost a month. That's what Alexandra (29) and her partner Alejandro (33), from Quindio in South America, tell us.
Colombian customs aren't exactly the same as ours. The festivities begin on 1 December with the 'Alborada', a night lit up with fireworks throughout the country, says Alejandro, who works in Fintech in the Grand Duchy. As Colombians celebrate with a lot of joy, they follow this up on 7 December with the 'Dia de las Velitas' (day of the little candles). This day marks the real start of Christmas. From 16 to 24 December, the 'Novenas' bring families together for nine days of prayer and songs. On 28 December, Colombians celebrate the 'Día de los Santos Inocentes', a day dedicated to jokes, similar to April Fools' Day. It quickly becomes apparent that December is a veritable marathon of festivities in Colombia.
In Luxembourg, the couple celebrates a little more simple, concentrating on two key dates: 7 December, Velitas Day in honour of the Virgin Mary, and 24 December, Christmas Eve.
In their warm flat, beautifully decorated for the festive days of Christmas, Alexandra and Alejandro give us a warm and friendly welcome. But that's not all. The young couple also introduces us to the emblematic dishes of Christmas by serving us natillas, a kind of creamy custard made from panela (raw sugar), milk and cinnamon, accompanied by crispy doughnuts called buñuelos. All homemade,' says Alexandra with pride. Our verdict: a real treat that melts in your mouth. Prepared exclusively in December, from 16 to 24 December, natillas are a real culinary institution, according to the couple.
However, if you're looking for Father Christmas, you're likely to be disappointed. In Colombia, he's a bit of an Arlesian. Back home, 'it's the baby Jesus himself who brings the Christmas presents', explains Alejandro.
For Christmas, the young couple is honouring tradition with a dish that is emblematic of the holiday: Pechuga Rellena. This stuffed chicken breast is a staple of the Colombian table at festive meals. Stuffed with vegetables, olives, sultanas and sometimes bacon, it is roasted and served with a sauce. But each region adds its own twist to this classic dish, explains Alexandra, who also adds her own personal touch. 'I make this dish with cheese, carrots and salchicha. It's served with a tropical salad and rice', she says.
For this Colombian couple, who have been living in Luxembourg since 2019, this dish is much more than a meal: 'it's a way of experiencing our culture through an unforgettable flavour at Christmas time,' they tell us. One of their wishes is to be surrounded by their parents around the table to celebrate Christmas. Alejandro is a little more spiritual. As a faithful Christian, he wants to share more of the love of Jesus... and master Lëtzebuergesch. In any case, he's already on the right track, because as he closes the door behind us, he wishes us a warm 'Schéi Chrëschtdeeg'.
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