Las Posadas, A Mexican Holiday Tradition

[Anonymous]

Las Posadas is a religious festival celebrated in Mexico and some parts of the United States between December 16th and the 24th. Las Posadas means "the inns." It commemorates the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to the baby Jesus. The nine days represent the nine months of Mary's pregnancy.

Each evening during the festival, a procession of carolers carrying lit candles, and those dressed as religious figures, children in robes, and shepherds is led through the streets by a small child dressed as an angel.

They walk through the streets singing and asking for lodging at different homes or "inns", representing Mary and Joseph searching for a place to stay in Bethlehem, with the procession culminating at a designated house where they are finally welcomed in, all while singing traditional Christmas carols and enjoying traditional Mexican food.

At the end of each night, a star-shaped piñata is broken open, representing the gifts of the Christmas season. The celebration ends with a Christmas Eve worship service.