WHAT IS LAS POSADAS?

The traditional Mexican celebration called Las Posadas is an Advent retelling of the journey of Joseph and Mary on Christmas Eve. The re-enactment is led by Joseph and Mary and a guardian angel. The group travels in procession to three pre-arranged houses. At each house Mary and Joseph ask for shelter through a song. Some of the participants sing along with them, asking the household for lodging. Others play the role of an innkeeper and reject them. At the third house, the household recognizes Mary and Joseph and welcomes them. A posada concludes with festivities of a piņata, songs and food.

Las Posadas originated in Mexico in the late 1500s. Las Posadas is held on nine nights. It begins December 16 and ends December 24. The word "posada" means lodging or shelter in Spanish. One night of the celebration is referred to as a posada.

To find out more about the roots and celebration of Las Posadas go to LINKS or to Posadas Project forum.