Las Posadas are one of the Mexican Christmas traditions that take place just before Christmas. Although in Mexico this event conjures up images of hot toddy, piñatas and sparklers, in reality its meaning is much deeper.
If you want to learn more about this Mexican tradition, here are all the details.
What is Las Posadas?
History tells us that Las Posadas arrived in Mexico with the Spanish conquistadors, altering the ancient Aztec tradition. The Mexicas celebrated the arrival of their god Huitzilopochtli in December, during the month of Panquetzaliztli. This celebration started on December 6 and lasted 20 days, during which fruit trees were decorated with flags, and banners were placed at the main temple.
However, it was with the Spanish that the so-called “Misas de Aguinaldo” were established, held from December 16 to 24. These masses took place outdoors and consisted of reading passages and performing Christmas-related plays, what we now know as “Pastorelas”.
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Over time, the way of celebrating Las Posadas has evolved, incorporating regional elements. However, they have always been recognized for their vibrant colors, festive songs, and delicious traditional food.
What does Las Posadas mean?
Each of the nine posadas represents a different Christian value: humility, strength, detachment, charity, trust, justice, purity, joy, and generosity.
How is Las Posadas celebrated?
Each night, participants perform a novena focused on a specific aspect of the Nativity story. Las Posadas culminate with a grand celebration and a special Mass on Christmas Eve, marking the beginning of Christmas.
This celebration, commemorating the journey of Mary and Joseph, is characterized by processions known as “peregrinos,” which recreate the journey of the Holy Family from Nazareth to Bethlehem. These processions symbolize the human spirit’s search for acceptance and unity.
Traditional elements of Las Posadas include:
- Piñatas: Usually featuring seven peaks, which represent the seven deadly sins and the Star of Bethlehem.
- Aguinaldos or Bolos: Small bags filled with candy, seasonal fruits, and peanuts, given to children during the posadas.
- Tamales: A hot dish made from dough, steamed in corn husks and filled with meat.
- Ponche Navideño: A hot fruit-based drink made with tejocote, sugar cane, tamarind, apple, pear, guava, and cinnamon.
- Buñuelos: A fried treat, either disk-shaped or round, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon, very popular during the holidays.
- Atole: A warm drink made from piloncillo (raw sugar), cinnamon, corn flour, and milk.
Las Posadas piñata
The seven peaks of the piñata represent the seven deadly sins, which must be destroyed while participants are blindfolded, symbolizing blind faith. Using a stick, it refers to the virtue that overcomes temptations and vices.
The candies and sweets inside the piñata represent the riches of the heavenly kingdom. This teaches that with faith and a single virtue, one can overcome sin and receive the blessings of heaven.
Las Posadas Traditional Food
According to Mexican Christmas traditions, the typical food for this celebration includes:
- Ponche
- Tamales
- Tostadas
- Tacos
- Pambazos
- Quesadillas
- Atole
- Elotes
Where is Las Posadas celebrated?
This tradition has its roots mainly in Mexico, but over time it has spread to other countries such as Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Why is Las Posadas celebrated?
These celebrations commemorate the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, facing difficulties in their search for shelter. For Catholics, Las Posadas are an expression of cultural and spiritual identity, uniting families with the deep roots of their faith.
What is Misa de Gallo?
The Misa del Gallo (Rooster’s Mass) is a very important Christian celebration during Christmas. According to tradition, this mass begins at midnight on December 24-25, commemorating the birth of Jesus.
There are several theories about the origin and name of this mass. Some historians argue that Pope Sixtus III, who ruled in the 5th century, introduced this custom. Today, the rooster’s crowing is associated with dawn, when the sun rises, but in ancient Rome, it referred to the moment when the day began, right after midnight.
Facts about Las Posadas
- It is believed that Las Posadas originated in the place where the Augustinians settled, in a small town near Mexico City called San Agustín Acolman.
- The first posada was celebrated in 1587 in New Spain, and it was officiated by the friar Diego de Soria.
- The Aztecs celebrated the birth of Huitzilopochtli during the month of December, in the middle of winter.
