Christmas is one of the most important holidays in Mexico. This celebration doesn’t just encompass one day, as throughout the month, various activities take place as part of Mexico’s Christmas traditions.
One of these traditions is Las Posadas. Here’s everything you need to know about this tradition.
What does posada mean in Mexico?
Las Posadas refer to the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph during the months leading up to the birth of Jesus.
According to popular traditions, Joseph and his wife Mary embarked on a long journey from the city of Nazareth to Bethlehem to fulfill a mandate imposed by the authorities. The journey took them nine days. When they finally arrived in Bethlehem, Mary was about to give birth to her son, Jesus.
Due to the lack of accommodation, and after being turned away from the inn and several homes, they found refuge in a humble stable, offered by kind-hearted people. This event is now commemorated as Las Posadas.
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When do Las Posadas begin?
Las Posadas represent the nine days leading up to Christmas, starting on December 16 and ending on December 24.
What do you do during a Posada?
Las Posadas include a variety of festive activities, ranging from the symbolic pilgrimage or reenactment of the search for shelter, to the traditional caroling asking for posada, breaking a piñata, and celebrating with food and drinks.
During the reenactment of the pilgrims, a well-known litany is sung while lighting candles. Upon arriving at the house, sparklers are lit, whistles are blown in signs of joy and welcome, and in some cases, a prayer is said as part of the celebration.
Where do Las Posadas take place?
Although Las Posadas are a popular tradition originating in Mexico, they have spread to other parts of Latin America, including Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Is a Posada a Catholic thing?
Yes. Las Posadas is a Catholic tradition that focuses on the biblical passage recounting the months before the birth of Jesus.
What are three facts about Las Posadas?
Here are some fun facts about Las Posadas:
- The first Posadas were established by the Augustinian friar Diego de Soria, who in 1587 received permission from Pope Sixtus V to celebrate a series of Masses leading up to Christmas. The main purpose of these Masses was evangelization.
- Each of the nine days that make up Las Posadas has a symbolic value. These are: purity, humility, charity, generosity, justice, trust, detachment, strength, and joy.
- The piñata is an essential element of Las Posadas. According to tradition, it should have seven points, representing the seven deadly sins, and it must be made of clay and decorated with vibrant colors.
What do Mexicans eat for Christmas?
The Christmas season in Mexico is characterized by a wide variety of traditional dishes, with each region having its own specialties. Here’s a list of some of the main Christmas foods in Mexico:
- Turkey
- Pork leg or loin
- Tamales
- Bacalao (salted codfish)
- Romeritos (a type of herb, often served with shrimp)
- Apple salad
- Buñuelos (fried dough)
- Ponche (hot fruit punch)
What do Mexicans do for Christmas?
In Mexico, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations are primarily centered around family. Some of the most notable activities during these dates include:
- Setting up the Christmas tree
- Decorating homes, streets, and public spaces with lights and garlands
- Setting up a Nativity scene, representing the Holy Family around a manger with the arrival of baby Jesus, as well as the Three Kings, some shepherds, and animals
- Toasting with cider at midnight on December 24
- “Arrullar” the Baby Jesus (this involves singing songs to the Baby Jesus while praying a rosary)
- Las Posadas
- Hanging an Advent wreath, which represents the first stage of the liturgical year and begins as a period of preparation for the anticipated arrival of God incarnate.
