Christmas Time in Cartagena

The Old Walled City of Cartagena at Night

One of our favorite Christmas time traditions is to go for a ride and look at the Christmas lights and decorations. This year we continued the tradition in Cartagena by taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old walled city. We picked a nice warm night, grabbed the cameras and hit the streets.

For me its different to be in such a warm climate during the holiday season. Its odd to be sweating in the mid-day heat while listening to “White Christmas” (although I suppose there is plenty of “snow” here).  Despite the heat, Christmas season is celebrated in Colombia just as enthusiastically as in the United States.  The city becomes decorated with an array of vividly colored lights and ornaments.  Nativity scenes are especially prominent in front of the gigantic, ominous cathedrals. 

A Large Illuminated Nativity Scene

Cherry blossom Christmas lights are set in trees throughout the city

The old city is safe enough to stroll through during the nights and evenings.  In fact, it was one of our favorite activities to aimlessly meander around town in the cool of night.  But if you want to view the city in style, you can’t beat a horse drawn carriage.  The clip-clop of the horse’s shoes on the cobblestone streets really add to the charm of the city.  A fair price for a coach ride is around 25,000 Pesos ($12.50 US).

We hire a coche for a ride around town.

Our Faithful Stead

We're Off

Cartagena is in a very tropical climate.  Therefore, evergreens are not really common.  You can, however, see plenty of lighted palm trees, flower bushes, and water fountains. 

Lighted Fountain in Plaza Bolivar

Christmas Palm Tree

Alyson Walking Through a Decorated Plaza

Fireworks burst above an old tower.

An Old Pirate Ship

Here are a few more photos from our night out:

Balcony at Night

The Govenor's Palace

Christmas Trumpeter

White Horse

Marriage Carriage

The was a wedding going on in a large church and the bride and groom arrived in the white horse drawn carriage and this white Cadillac.

Decorated Balconies

San Pedro Cathedral

Next time we will post some more Christmas photos from Bogota, the capitol city of Colombia.  Its located higher in the mountains which gives a chilling and colder climate.  Very european-esque with amazing graffiti art.  Plus we meet a ghost & a llama.  Check back soon!

Happy New Year & Ciao,

Aly & John