La Noche de las Velitas {Farolito Tutorial}



December 7th is an exciting day in Colombia! It's the day when many people celebrate "La Noche de las Velitas" also known as "El Día delas Velitas." Although the origins of this celebration are religious (as the night when many families welcome and celebrate "The Immaculate Conception"),  it's also seen as a way for families to welcome the end of year festivities in which many people, but not all, celebrate Navidad. Farolitos (luminaries) and candles are seen everywhere.
I have blogged before about the importance of this celebration in Colombia. Visit the links below to read my previous posts and find other activities to help you share with your students about this and other Christmas traditions in Colombia.
La Noche de las Velitas 
Christmas in Colombia

Farolitos Tutorial

This is a simple way to make farolitos with your students. You will need:
1. Paper lunch bags 
2. Led tea light - battery operated
3. Templates of different Christmas shapes
4. Tissue paper - preferably green and red 
5. Glue
6. Scissors





Use the opportunity to bring some language to the lesson. Visit my previous post with some ideas about questions for this activity. Talk about the colors and materials needed to make the farolitos.
You will need to prepare the templates in advanced and pre-cut the pieces of tissue paper.

Steps

1. Trace the shape on the paper lunch bag.

2. Cut out the shape. Younger students might need help to start cutting the shape.

3. Glue the tissue paper inside the paper bag.


4. Insert tea light

This is optional. Students can make designs around the edges of the bag.

5. Get ready to sing some villancicos while celebrating La Noche de las Velitas in class. Here is a great playlist on YouTube. I also recommend the "Mi Burrito Sabanero" version by Colombian singer Juanes. 

Mamá Tortuga, who is also a Colombian bloguera has another awesome tutorial to make farolitos with your students. Please hop over her blog - rápido y no a paso de tortuga- to learn all about it!

¡Feliz Noche de las Velitas!

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