For the most part, they are women heads of household who make the gigantic figures of Medellín’s lighting. Photo: Mayor’s Office of Medellín
A gigantic manger of lights that remembers the steps of Mary and Joseph through Bethlehem, before and after the birth of the baby Jesus, which gave rise to the celebration of Christmas. This is what the Medellín lighting will look like in 2024.
He Medellín Christmas Festival Loves You, As it was named, it will offer more than 70 free activities organized by the city’s Mayor’s Office and EPM.
It will begin on November 29 with the lighting of the traditional lighting of the Medellín River, where visitors and locals will be able to return to the roots of the Christmas season. Castles that remind us, houses, horses, stars and the most significant characters of the traditional nativity scene will be the main attraction.
With this giant manger of lights, the city hopes to achieve a Guinness Récordhighlighting the Antique capital in the international arena.
But it will not only be the Medellín River that dresses up for Christmas. This time the 16 communes will also have their own lighting with the same theme that will complement the largest nativity scene in the world.
Return to the essence
The mayor Federico Gutiérrez assured that the important thing about these Christmas lighting is return to the essence of the era of peace and reconciliation.
«Returning to the essence is always important and that is why we return to the importance of the manger, how we live Christmas from childhood, how to return to those traditional figures, to the family environment. Here the priority is families,” said Gutiérrez.
This will be the programming
The festival program includes calls Christmas squareslos Christmas Runnersthe expected and inevitable Parade of Myths and Legendsin addition to parks illuminated by EPM, musical stages and artisan markets.
The events, this time, were designed to be in all sectors of the city, with activities that invite families to get together and enjoy the season.
From December 4, activities will begin in the city’s parks. The first in the Doce de Octubre Parkwill continue on December 5 in the Boston Parkon December 11 at Santo Domingo Library Park and will end on December 12 in the Christ the King Park.
Gutierrez invited citizens to live this time with respect and responsibility, pointing out that “the synonym of celebration can never end in tragedy.”
Christmas Squares and Corridors
Las Christmas squares They will be spaces created around traditional lighting and will offer artistic, cultural and gastronomic activities.
They will be open from December 1 to 6 in Mirafloresfrom December 7 to 11 at the North Park and, from December 11 to 15, in River City. They seek, thus, to bring together the inhabitants in a festive atmosphere that highlights the cultural and gastronomic diversity of the region.
For their part, the Christmas Runners They will be traveling shows, with artistic groups, troupes, shawms and actors who will tour different neighborhoods of the city. The activities will begin on November 29 in sectors such as River Parks and the Botero Square.
Parade of Myths and Legends
He Parade of Myths and Legendsone of the most traditional events of the Christmas season in Medellín, will take place this year on Sunday, December 8.
The tour will begin at Pablo Tobón Uribewill pass through La Playa, La Oriental and San Juan, and will conclude in the Park of Lights.
16 troupes of various sizes and styles will participate in the parade, representing typical figures and characters from Colombian myths and legends, a tradition that honors the country’s folklore and popular culture.
Contests and events for the whole family
The festival also includes a contest called ‘My Illuminated Block’, in which communities can compete for the best Christmas decoration on their block.
Registration will be open from November 18 to 22, and the winning stables will receive a special event with artistic and cultural programming on Saturday, December 14. This activity seeks to promote the coexistence and civic culture by bringing neighbors together to decorate their blocks and celebrate Christmas together.
Another attraction is the Artists Street Festivalwhich will take place in the main tourist corridors of the city. The festival seeks to turn the streets of Medellín into open-air stages for local artists. It will start on December 1 in the carrera 70on December 7 at the UVA La Armoníaon December 8 in the Pueblito Paisa and on December 14 at Pedregal Park.
Popular music and crafts
He Festival of Popular Musicians Between Strings and Accordionswhich is celebrated every December by district agreement, will be between Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7 at the Berrio Park.
This provides a space for popular and native music of the region, making the public vibrate with the sound of accordions and strings.
The famous artisan market Sanalejo will take place on Saturdays, December 7 and 14 at the Bolivar Park. In this market, visitors will be able to purchase unique and traditional pieces from local artisans, which represent the work and creativity of the inhabitants of Medellín.
He Medellín Te Busca Christmas Festival, which will run until January 12, 2025 It promises to be a diverse and inclusive celebration, inviting locals and visitors to enjoy the city in a different way.
2024-11-06 23:23:00
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**Interview with Federico Gutiérrez: Medellín’s Mayor on the 2024 Christmas Lighting Festival**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Mayor Gutiérrez. Thank you for joining us today. Medellín’s Christmas lighting display is famous for its creativity and beauty. What can visitors expect from the 2024 edition of the festival?
**Federico Gutiérrez:** Good afternoon! Thank you for having me. This year, we are excited to present the “Medellín Christmas Festival Loves You,” starting on November 29. We’ll light up the Medellín River with a giant nativity scene that reflects the journey of Mary and Joseph, embodying the core essence of Christmas. Along with over 70 free activities organized by the city and EPM, we hope to create a truly magical experience for both locals and tourists.
**Editor:** That sounds amazing! You mentioned the theme of returning to the essence of Christmas. Could you elaborate on what that means for the festival?
**Federico Gutiérrez:** Absolutely. Returning to the essence means focusing on family, tradition, and the values that Christmas represents: peace and reconciliation. We want to recreate the family environment we experienced as children and bring back the traditional figures that have been part of our celebrations for ages. It is crucial for us to foster a sense of community and togetherness through this festive time.
**Editor:** The festival boasts a variety of events throughout the city. Can you share more about the activities families can look forward to?
**Federico Gutiérrez:** Certainly! Our programming includes the Christmas Squares, where people can enjoy cultural and gastronomic activities. The Christmas Runners will bring artistic performances to different neighborhoods. Additionally, we will have the traditional Parade of Myths and Legends on December 8, showcasing Colombia’s rich folklore. We believe these activities will unite families and celebrate our cultural diversity.
**Editor:** You mentioned a Guinness World Record attempt. Can you tell us more about that?
**Federico Gutiérrez:** Yes! We aim to break the Guinness World Record for the largest nativity scene. By creating the most magnificent display alongside lighting 16 different communes in Medellín, we want to highlight our city on an international platform and demonstrate the power of community collaboration.
**Editor:** That sounds like an ambitious goal! Lastly, what message would you like to share with residents and visitors?
**Federico Gutiérrez:** I encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly and cherish the moments with loved ones. Our aim is for this festival to be a joyful occasion, filled with respect and love for one another and our traditions. Remember, a celebration should bring us together, never end in tragedy.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mayor Gutiérrez, for sharing these insights. We’re looking forward to an enchanting holiday season in Medellín!
**Federico Gutiérrez:** Thank you! I invite everyone to join us and experience the magic of Christmas in Medellín!
