Colombia's celebration of Corpus Christi: Dates, traditions, and significance

2023-06-07 03:46:17

In Colombiahe Body of Christ acquires a significant significance for the Catholic Church, standing out as a relevant religious holiday in the country. The commemoration centers on the deep belief that the elements consecrated during the mass, the bread and wine, undergo a sacred transformation, symbolically becoming the body and blood of Christ.

Corpus Christi is celebrated with processions and religious ceremonies in many cities and towns. During these celebrations, a solemn procession takes place in which the Blessed Sacrament, the consecrated bread, is carried in a special custody. The procession goes through the main streets and is accompanied by faithful dressed in traditional attire and floral decorations.

When is Corpus Christi celebrated?

Corpus Christi in Colombia is celebrated on the Thursday following the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, which takes place on the Sunday after Pentecost. This means that the date of Corpus Christi can vary each year, since it depends on the liturgical calendar. This 2023 religious celebration will take place on Thursday, June 8.

What is Corpus Christi?

Corpus Christi, also known as the ‘Body of Christ’, is a Catholic holiday whose purpose is to commemorate the Eucharist. During the Corpus Christi celebrations, a procession takes place in which the host, which represents the Body of Christ himself, is exposed in a monstrance so that all the faithful can contemplate it.

Celebration of Corpus Christi in the cities of Colombia

In Bogotá, as part of the Corpus Christi festivities, a solemn Eucharist is held in the Primate Cathedral. It is a tradition that during this celebration, the Presidential Guard Battalion performs a street of honor and the war band interprets Eucharistic melodies as a tribute to the holiday.

In the Cundinamarca region, for example, the Corpus Christi festival lasts for three days. Some of the traditional activities are inspired by the customs of Spain, which were introduced into our territory during the time of the conquest and have been practiced since the Middle Ages.

In the city of Bello, located in the department of Antioquia, an artistic offering is carried out as part of the Corpus Christi festivities, organized by the local school. During this celebration, a rug made with colored sawdust is created, through which the priest makes a journey with the Blessed Sacrament, in a kind of street of honor.

In Mogote, the celebration of Corpus Christi also extends over three days. In addition to religious festivities, you can witness horseback riding and archery exhibitions in the towns. These activities are accompanied by musical bands that come together to celebrate the sanctification of the body of Jesus Christ.

What is the purpose of the Feast of Corpus Christi?

The main objective of the celebration of Corpus Christi is to proclaim and strengthen the faith of the Catholic Church in Jesus Christ, who is present in the Blessed Sacrament. This holiday is traditionally celebrated on the Thursday following the eighth Sunday after Easter.

In different parts of the world, this holiday acquires significant importance, being recognized as an official holiday in several countries. In Colombia, since 1983, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi is celebrated on the Sunday following the originally designated Thursday, although a day of rest known as “Emiliani Day” is maintained, in reference to the Emiliani Law (Law 51 of 1983). .