Saints Peter and Paul is a national holiday in Colombia, celebrated annually on June 29th, in observance of the Catholic feast day for the apostles St. Peter and St. Paul. This deeply ingrained tradition can be traced back to colonial times, as Catholic Spain influenced many aspects of Colombian culture. Both of these saints are highly revered in the Catholic faith, with St. Peter being recognized as one of the founding figures of the Church and St. Paul being credited with the conversion of many early Christians.
The holiday is thoroughly celebrated across Colombia with church ceremonies, parades, festivals, and fireworks. Many Colombian cities, especially those located on the coast like Cartagena, host impressive boat processions, symbolizing St. Peter's role as a fisherman. These activities provide a chance for locals to show their cultural pride and deep faith and often attract tourists interested in participating or viewing these colorful and moving ceremonies.
On this day, various dishes are prepared as a tribute to the saints, like the traditional 'Sancocho', a Colombian-style stew generally made with fish or chicken, yucca, plantain, and corn. Despite being a religious holiday focusing on the Catholic faith, the day is enjoyed by Colombians of all backgrounds due to the joyous community events. Saints Peter and Paul is not only a time for religious reflection, but a celebration of Colombian culture and heritage too.