World Christmas Traditions: Las Posadas

In our missions in 20 countries worldwide the Advent/Christmas Season is filled with an incredible diversity of traditions, music, food and culture. Las Posadas is a wonderful Mexican Christmas tradition, literally translates in English as “the inns” or “the lodgings” and 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 (Noche Buena or “Holy Night”) and includes a candle-lit procession of children and parents reenacting Mary and Joseph’s journey through Bethlehem.

The holiday ritual includes a lively and colorful pageant of kids (the “pilgrims” or peregrinos) – costumed as Joseph, Mary, angels, shepherds and the Three Wise Men – who travel from house to house until they reach a designated home where Las Posadas will be celebrated that year.

Upon arrival, the hosts or “innkeepers” meet the procession at the door to begin the holiday fiesta with an exchange of lyrics from the traditional Pidiendo Posada:

Outside Singers

In the name of heaven,
I ask you for shelter
because my beloved wife 
can continue no longer.

Inside Singers

This is no inn,
continue on your way.
I am not about to open.
You may be a scoundrel.

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

Let us sing with joy,
all bearing in mind
that Jesus, Joseph and Mary
honor us by having come.

Soon, everyone begins celebrating with traditional songs & prayers – just before an explosion of merrymaking that includes Christmas party music, piñata bashing, sweet treats and fireworks!

On Christmas eve, Las Posados 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, Christmas salad, and mounds of sweet and sugary buñuelos.