Suitable for: Prep/Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3
In this lesson, students learn about Candles’ Day. They will engage in activities that help them understand the significance of Candles’ Day. *Please watch the videos beforehand to make sure the content is appropriate for your students. If you consider the video is not appropriate for your class, skip the activity and continue with the next one.
ACTIVITY
1
On December 7th, Colombia observes the traditional holiday of Día de las Velitas or Candles’ day. Originally the celebration was centered around the Immaculate Conception, however nowadays it is celebrated by decorating window sills, balconies, porches, sidewalks, streets, and parks. Plazas are illuminated with candles, paper lanterns, firework shows, and light displays. These bright celebrations remind us of being hopeful, wishful and grateful. Watch the video from 0:52 - 2:10 and answer the following questions.
What can you see in the video?
According to the video, what are some activities people do during Día de las Velitas?
Which celebrations do you have in your country that require the use of lights, candles or fireworks?
Why do you think we use lights, candles or fireworks for some festivities?
Which type of decorations do you use for festivities or celebrations in your country? Which type of decorations do you use during Christmas?
ACTIVITY
2
This is one of the brightest days in the whole country, and it has different meanings for each family. Some families light up candles and name each candle with the name of someone they love, wishing for them to be safe, and as a gesture of gratitude for their existence.
Which names would you name your own candles if you celebrated it with your friends and family?
Which similarities can you see between Candles’ day in Latin America and Thanksgiving Day in your country?
If you had the opportunity to show gratitude for the best thing that happened to you this year, what would it be and why?
EXPERIENTIAL
ACTIVITY
1. Imagine that you are celebrating Candles’ Day in Colombia, design your own candle and assign them to the four people you love the most. You can try to adapt each candles’ design according to their own personality. (Annex 1)
2. Farolitos are lanterns consisting of a small candle set in a small paper bag weighted with sand typically placed with others along driveways, sidewalks, or rooftops as a holiday decoration.
Now it is your turn to create a Farolito! Watch the videos below showing two different ways to create your own Farolito. If you are feeling adventurous go to Annex 2 and create your own foldable Farolito; remember that you will be handling scissors so ask for help from an adult.