Colombia: Fireworks after the Mass Many candles are lightened on the 7th of December in honour of the virgin Mary. The following day, the 8th of December is a national holiday in Colombia commemorating the Immaculate Conception. Catholic customs like this are widely spread in Colombia because 90 per cent of the population is of the Catholic faith. Already on the 14th of December people collect moss for the crib which is fixed on the same evening in a celebration. From this evening on until Christmas Eve people come together every evening to pray and sing together. Traditionally the Christmas tree is put in the house on the 16th of December. It is luxuriantly decorated with candles, glitter balls and figures. The actual Christmas celebration begins after the Midnight Mass with big fireworks. People are dancing and singing in the streets. Presents are only given to children; mostly these present are just small things or sweets which the little ones find under their beds when they wake up on the 25th of December. Reference: Content Team Globalheads GmbH