IN PICTURES: The Day of Candles is celebrated between Dec. 7-8 in Colombia, where thousands of candles are lit in commemoration of the Virgin Maria Inmaculada.
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Every Dec. 7 and 8, Colombians celebrate the "Day of the candles" to ask for wishes to the Virgin Mary and thank her for bringing the world to Jesus Christ.
Photo:@BayronYepez_FARC
During the celebration, thousands of Colombians light candles, lanterns and adorn with white flags the houses, streets and corners of the whole country as part of a Christian tradition.
Photo:EFE
The Christmas holiday dates back to December 8, 1854, by decree of Pope Pius IX to declare this date as the day of the mother of Jesus.
Photo:EFE
This tradition marks the beginning of Christmas in Colombia and the lights are a symbol of unity.
Photo:EFE
The candidate for the House of Representatives of Bogota for the FARC party, Bayron Yepes, participated in the festival to ask for the cessation of the conflict in his country.
Photo:@ByronYepes_FARC
For its part, the organization Vamos por los Derechos lit candles for the defense of the rights of Colombian women.
Photo:@Vamosxlosderech
Colombians carry out this popular tradition for unity, although in other parts of the world they also celebrate the activity because it is a Catholic belief.
Photo:EFE
In Colombia, not all take the religious sense for the celebration and celebrate with great parties with music to start Christmas.
Photo:EFE
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