Just a few decades ago, Medellín was still a city with a gloomy reputation; but today, when it can be seen illuminated for the festive season, this image is well and truly relegated to the past.For the inhabitants of Medellín, Christmas is not a matter to be taken lightly. Indeed, it’s at this time of year that the country’s2nd largest city displays breathtaking illuminations, in the form of colorful structures sometimes as tall as buildings. Medellín’s main streets are ablaze with lights, and everyone gets involved.

These fantastic illuminations are also reflected in the atmosphere of the city. Medellín is a cheerful city all year round, but it ‘s undoubtedly at its liveliest in December. Families and groups of friends stroll beneath the glowing sculptures, and different parts of the city hold competitions for the brightest, biggest or most original installations. Visitors from all over the country, and even the world, flock to see this extraordinary spectacle, ranked by National Geographic as one of the top 10 most beautiful Christmas installations in the world. This tradition, which originated in the mid-20th century, is not unlike the magnificent Noche de las Velitas, the « Night of the Candles », which takes place throughout Colombia on the night of December 7. On this occasion, all the country’s towns and villages are adorned with millions of candles along sidewalks, balconies and terraces in homage to the Immaculate Conception. Find out more here.

Christmas is also a time for good family food, and no dish is more typical of the season than buñuelos! Until you get the chance to taste them in person on the streets of Medellín, here’s the recipe for traditional buñuelos:

Ingredients

  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • ¾ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ cup cassava flour
  • 1 cup creamy feta cheese
  • ½ cup cottage cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 pinch yeast
  • 2 spoonfuls sugar
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 tablespoon milk
buñuelos de Navidad

Preparation:1 – Place all the ingredients except the oil in a bowl and mix with your hands until smooth. Form small balls of dough. 2 – Heat the oil in a saucepan. Carefully place the dumplings in the hot oil. Cover the pan, leave to heat for 3 to 4 minutes, then turn up the heat so that the dumplings are fried and golden-brown. 3 – Remove the dumplings from the oil, place them in a paper-lined dish to drain. Bon appétit and, as we say here, ¡Feliz Navidad!