Las Posadas
In Mexico and many parts of Central America,
people celebrate La Posadas during the nine days before Christmas. This wonderful Christmas tradition is a reenactment of the journey Joseph and Mary took to
find shelter before the birth of their child, Jesus. Las Posadas translates in English as “the inns” or “the lodgings”.
Beginning December 16th and lasting until December
24th, families reenact the journey of Mary and Joseph. They gather and go door to door, pretending to search for a place where Joseph and Mary can stay. They carry lanterns and sing songs, somewhat like caroling. They also carry an entire nativity scene. This path is often marked by candlelight or luminary. The neighbors symbolically refuse entrance and then join the group as they move on to the next home. This procession continues until they reach the home representing the inn where the group enters and often says a prayer.
On Christmas Eve, Las Posados culminates in all-out feasting of special food including Tamales, Romeritos, and Ponche Navideño. Celebrations often include colorful pageants of kids, firework displays, and candy filled Piñatas.
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO SEE HOW LAS POSADAS IS CELEBRATED WORLDWIDE
Las Posadas in the Phillipines
Las Posadas in Puerto Rico
Las Posadas in Nicaragua
people celebrate La Posadas during the nine days before Christmas. This wonderful Christmas tradition is a reenactment of the journey Joseph and Mary took to
find shelter before the birth of their child, Jesus. Las Posadas translates in English as “the inns” or “the lodgings”.
Beginning December 16th and lasting until December
24th, families reenact the journey of Mary and Joseph. They gather and go door to door, pretending to search for a place where Joseph and Mary can stay. They carry lanterns and sing songs, somewhat like caroling. They also carry an entire nativity scene. This path is often marked by candlelight or luminary. The neighbors symbolically refuse entrance and then join the group as they move on to the next home. This procession continues until they reach the home representing the inn where the group enters and often says a prayer.
On Christmas Eve, Las Posados culminates in all-out feasting of special food including Tamales, Romeritos, and Ponche Navideño. Celebrations often include colorful pageants of kids, firework displays, and candy filled Piñatas.
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO SEE HOW LAS POSADAS IS CELEBRATED WORLDWIDE
Las Posadas in the Phillipines
Las Posadas in Puerto Rico
Las Posadas in Nicaragua