Medellín’s New Year’s Eve Tradition: When Radio Rules teh Night
On December 31st, the city of Medellín, Colombia, doesn’t truly celebrate the New Year until its beloved radio stations declare it so. This unique tradition, deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the region, sees entire neighborhoods synchronize to the sounds of familiar stations, momentarily emptying streets as families rush home to share the moment, and placing immense responsibility on the voices behind the microphone.
for locals,the end-of-year festivities are inextricably linked to the radio. Despite the prevalence of streaming services like spotify and YouTube, a near-universal agreement dictates that a proper December in Aburrá requires tuning into the city’s most recognized stations. This isn’t merely about background music; it’s a ritualistic adherence to a tradition that defines the holiday essence for many.
But the radio’s influence extends beyond simply providing a soundtrack. A remarkable phenomenon occurs where the official start of the New Year is delayed until specific songs – like “Faltan Cinco pa’ las 12” (Five minutes to Twelve) and “No Me olvido del Año Viejo” (I Don’t Forget the Old Year) – are played across the airwaves. It’s a collective pause, a shared moment of anticipation that transcends the ticking of the clock.
As soon as these iconic songs begin, a curious stillness descends upon the streets. People abandon their celebrations and hurry home, prioritizing the shared experience with family. Onc the songs conclude, the festivities resume, with revelers returning to the streets, some carrying suitcases – a local tradition symbolizing hopes for travel in the new year – and others raising a glass of guaro (aguardiente), a popular anise-flavored liquor.
This seemingly spontaneous outpouring of collective behavior is,in reality,orchestrated by a dedicated group of radio professionals. These individuals, working from “hermetic booths,” bear the weight of ensuring the New Year’s Eve spirit reaches every corner of the city, the country, and even the world.
The Voices of Tradition
John Jander García, the charismatic director of Olímpica Stéreo in Medellín, embodies this responsibility. Having started in commercial radio at the age of 18, he recalls a tradition of working every night from December 1st through Epiphany (January 6th). “When I started commercial radio, I was told in December that if I wanted to start, I had to play at night from December 1 to the Three Kings Bridge. And I started, without hesitation, that was my debut,” he shared.
García acknowledges the bittersweet nature of the job. “Because you know that being there is the reason for joy for the listeners,but you would also like to be with yoru own family,” he confessed. However, he finds fulfillment in welcoming the new year from the studio, surrounded by the infectious energy of his colleagues. Olímpica Stereo prepares a carefully curated playlist,blending the year’s most popular hits with classic New Year’s Eve tunes,and features their beloved character,Don Ebrio,known for his spontaneous and humorous commentary. A key moment involves a reflective segment as the clock strikes midnight, a tradition many consider as important as the customary lentils for good fortune or eating twelve grapes. “In it we thank God for keeping us alive, in health. It is a reflection where we also thank the audience for their harmony. It is indeed a very symbolic, agile but forceful moment to enter 2026 with everything,” garcía explained.
The weight of responsibility is palpable. “One feels the weight of responsibility, but It is indeed a matter that is very exciting as you sit with the audience next to you,” García said. He describes the outpouring of messages and greetings from listeners, many of whom choose to tune into the radio rather than relying on digital streaming services for the unique sense of connection it provides. “There are liste
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