vigil

a period of time when someone watches over or protects a person, place, or thing during the night or at another time when they are usually asleep

velada, guardia nocturna

• keep vigil

Collocations keep a vigil over somebody/something · vigil for somebody

• They kept a vigil by the hospital bed.

  Permanecieron velando junto al lecho del hospital.

a public protest or demonstration, often held at night and involving people staying awake to show their support for a cause or to draw attention to an issue

vigilia de protesta

• hold vigil

Collocations hold a vigil in support of somebody/something · peace vigil

• A peace vigil was held outside the courthouse.

  Se celebró una vigilia por la paz fuera del tribunal.

a religious service or period of prayer, often held during the night or early morning

velación, vigilia religiosa

• hold vigil

Collocations vigil for the dead · Christmas Eve vigil

• The church held a Christmas Eve vigil.

  La iglesia celebró una vigilia de Navidad.