This is celebrated in many places around the world, both as part of common religions (christianity) and other denominations (paganism). In the USA its celebrated as Groundhog Day, in Italy as Calendaria (similar to the one you mention here, from candles= light), in neo-paganism its Imbolc (midwinter =half way between the winter solstice and spring equinox).
Religion has adopted it from ancient paganism, but I think its all very fitting as all of this is a celebration of the light (in paganism its the light of the Sun, in Christianity its Jesus as the light of the world, Groundhog day is about the advent of Spring). I do like it how traditions like this can be celebrated by different groups but under similar meanings
I also like how you eat those tamales made of corn, corn being of golden colour...like the Sun/Light
Apologise if this sounded geeky...I do have a passion for these things and I like to share /exchange