novena
/noˈbena/feminine
The Spanish word for 'novena' is novena.
A novena refers to a recitation of prayers for nine days. You may hear the phrase Rezo de novena to mean 'praying the novena', or Novena religiosa to specifically emphasize its religious nature. To describe the act of performing the nine days of prayer, it is common to use the phrase hacer la novena (to perform/say the novena).
Meaning: a recitation of prayers for nine days (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia and Venezuela, the novena de aguinaldos is a specific Christmas tradition that involves praying and singing for nine days leading up to Christmas.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, novena is typically preceded by the feminine article la when referring to a specific prayer period.
How do you pronounce it?
/noˈbena/
When do people say it?
In many Latin American cultures, las novenas are a central part of Christmas celebrations. These involve daily prayer and community gatherings during the days leading up to the holiday.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a novena is not only for the living but also for the dead, where prayers are offered for nine days following a funeral to help the soul transition.
- The term novena can also function as an adjective in Spanish meaning 'ninth', such as in la novena edición to mean 'the ninth edition'.
- While it is a religious prayer, in many Latin American homes, la novena is also a social event accompanied by festive music, dancing, and traditional food like tamales.
Examples in context
- Nuestra familia hace una novena en honor a la Virgen María durante el mes de mayo.Our family does a novena in honor of the Virgin Mary during the month of May.
- Mi abuela siempre reza una novenita antes de Navidad.My grandmother always prays a little novena before Christmas.
- ¿Vas a la víspera de la novena en la iglesia esta noche?Are you going to the eve of the novena at the church tonight?
- La novena empieza mañana por la mañana.The novena starts tomorrow morning.
- Ella organiza la novena en su casa.She organizes the novena at her house.
- ¿Vas a participar en la novena?Are you going to participate in the novena?
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing their religious traditions.
- DanielElena, ¿vas a venir a la novena hoy?Elena, are you coming to the novena today?
- ElenaSí, Daniel, llegaré a las seis.Yes, Daniel, I will arrive at six.
- DanielPerfecto, ya tenemos todo listo.Perfect, we already have everything ready.
- ElenaNos vemos luego para rezar juntos.I'll see you later to pray together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “novena” translations and entries novena, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
