- Spanish:
- “The Inns”
Las Posadas
What is Las Posadas?
How is Las Posadas traditionally celebrated?
Las Posadas, religious and cultural festival celebrated in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and elsewhere in Latin America, as well as in some parts of the United States, between December 16 and 24. Las Posadas commemorates and reenacts the journey (detailed in the Gospel According to Luke) that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to the baby Jesus. When they were unable to find lodging in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary were forced to seek shelter in a stable, where the Christ Child was born. Las Posadas has countless regional variations, but commonly features nightly processions that, for many Roman Catholics, are undertaken as a novenario (novena)—a spiritual devotion of reciting a set form of prayer for nine consecutive days—that concludes Christmas Eve.
Las Posadas is particularly celebrated in cities and towns across Mexico and much of Central America. The processions range from simple to elaborate, and may be serious religious devotions or more lighthearted and festive, depending on the community. In many places, the procession begins at a church and is led by a child dressed as an angel, with other children dressed in robes and carrying lit candles and images of Mary and Joseph riding a donkey. Adults, including musicians, follow the children as the group makes its way through the town. The procession visits selected homes and asks for lodging for Joseph and Mary with songs such as “Pidiendo Posada” (“Asking for Shelter”). Passages of scripture are read and special Christmas carols, known as villancicos, are sung at each stop. Traditionally, the procession is always refused lodging, often through song, though the hosts typically provide refreshments.
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In some places, the procession ends each night with a party at the last host’s house. Tamales, ponche (spiced fruit punch), and buñuelos (sweet fried fritters) are particularly common at such gatherings in Mexico. The procession can also end at a church for evening mass. At the conclusion of the service (or at the host’s home), children break open piñatas filled with candy, toys, and, occasionally, money. The piñatas are usually crafted in the form of the Star of Bethlehem, which is said to have guided the three wise men of biblical tradition to the newborn Jesus.