24 October, 2023
Estimated Reading Time : 1 minute, 51 seconds
Like in many Latin American countries, Colombia has its own traditions and history; this dates back to the 4th century when the Catholic Church faced intense persecution by the Roman Empire. Many Christians were martyred and killed for their faith, and the Church chose to honor their memory with a special celebration.

Pope Boniface IV consecrated the Pantheon of Rome as a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and all the martyrs on May 13th, 609. This was the original date of All Saints' Day. However, Pope Gregory III changed the date to November 1st in 835, when he dedicated a chapel in St. Peter's Basilica to all saints, both known and unknown. Pope Gregory IV extended the celebration to the entire Catholic Church in 837.

In Colombia, All Saints' Day is one of the last public holidays of the year and it is a non-working day, but it is a paid holiday. Colombian Catholics usually visit cemeteries and bring flowers to the graves of their loved ones, praying for the souls of the departed in purgatory. All Saints' Day is different from All Souls' Day, celebrated on November 2nd, which traces back to the year 998 when Abbot Odilon of Cluny established a date for praying for the dead.

Among the traditional foods, Colombians typically enjoy on November 1st and 2nd include:

  1. Sweet potato panellets: These are treats made with sweet potato, ground almonds, sugar, lemon zest, and egg yolk. They are shaped into rounds and decorated with almonds or coconut. Baked until golden and crispy.
  2. Roasted chestnuts: Chestnuts cooked in the oven or microwave with a little water and salt. They are scored in the shell to prevent bursting and cooked for a few minutes. Popped out of their shells and enjoyed hot.
  3. Antioquian Mazamorra: A thick soup made with white corn, milk, panela, and cinnamon. Served with grated white cheese or curd. A typical dish from the Antioquia region.
  4. Natilla: A creamy dessert made with milk, cornstarch, panela, cinnamon, and cloves. Cooked slowly until thickened, then poured into a mold. Cooled and decorated with grated coconut or fruit.
  5. Bunuelos: Fried dough balls made with a mixture of corn flour, white cheese, eggs, sugar, and baking powder. Fried in hot oil until golden and fluffy. Enjoyed plain or with natilla.
  6. Huesos de Santo: Sweets made with marzipan, filled with egg yolk sweet, pastry cream, or dulce de leche. Shaped elongated and dipped in syrup or chocolate. Originating from Spain, but popular in Colombia.

Prepare these delicious treats to share with your family on this very special day.