MAIN Home Life Holidays Christmas Las Posadas

A wonderful Mexican Christmas tradition, las posadas literally translates in English as "the inns" or "the lodgings".

It symbolizes the Biblical journey of Mary and Joseph as they searched for shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus.

The nine-day celebration lasts from December 16 to Christmas Eve, known as Noche Buena or "Holy Night",

The ritual most especially includes a colorful pageant of kids (the "pilgrims" or peregrinos) -- costumed as Joseph, Mary, angels, shepherds and the Three Wise Men. All travel to a designated home where Las Posadas will be celebrated. Upon arrival, the hosts or "innkeepers" meet the procession at the door for an exchange of lyrics from the traditional Pidiendo Posada:

The song goes on for several stanzas until Joseph and Mary are
finally recognized and allowed inside with everyone singing in unison:

What follows is an explosion of merrymaking that includes Christmas party music, piñata bashing, sweet treats and fireworks!

On Christmas eve, Las Posadas culminates in all-out feasting at the Cena de Noche Buena when families gather for a traditional meal of romeritos (baked shrimp), bacalao (dried cod fish), roast turkey, salad, and mounds of sweet and sugary buñuelos.

Especially in northern Mexico - and in Mexican communities in Texas, New Mexico, California and Arizona - the festivities may include a Christmas tree, lots of presents, or even a visit by Santa. However, Three Kings Day on January 6 remains a traditional day for gift exchanges in Central and Southern Mexico and throughout Latin America.

Each year, the public is invited to join the La Posadas procession in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Las Posadas Around the World

In the Philippines, the posadas tradition begins on December 15 with a Misa de Gallo (midnight mass) every night for nine consecutive nights prior to Christmas eve.

Similarly, Puerto Rican Christmas celebrations usually begin December 10 - and last until the Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos) on January 6 - with impromptu Parranda (parties) hosted at different locations. Each night holiday revelers can look forward to generous helpings of Christmas coquito (a delicious variation of egg nog) and festive platters of pasteles (savory meat pastries).

In Nicaragua, La Gritería (The Shoutings), occurs on December 7 when friends and family parade in the streets to sing in praise of the Virgin Mary before visiting neighbors to share festive food, drink and gift exchanges.

also see in Holidays -> Cinco de Mayo | Day of the Dead

Las Posadas on the Web

Around the Web, find out more about celebrating Las Posadas with lively descriptions of annual family customs complete with recipes & instructions for homemade holiday feasting ...

Christmas in Mexico - Check out Las Posadas history, fun facts, photos, recipes, printable sheet music and song lyrics, from Mexico Connect.com.

How to Celebrate La Posada - Latina Mama - Memories and traditions of the holiday in English and Español.