Celebrate Las Posadas With These Traditions, From Piñatas to Ponche Navideño
The Christmas season is full of traditions such as exchanging gifts, decorating your home, and sending thoughtful holiday card greetings. And for many Christians, the holidays are an extra special time to commemorate important Biblical stories.
In Mexico, religious celebrations associated with Christmas start on December 12 with Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe (Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe) and continue through January 6 for El Día de Los Reyes Magos (Three Kings’ Day). But one of the country's biggest holiday celebrations is Las Posadas, which commemorates Mary and Joseph's journey through Bethlehem as they search for room at an inn. In this article, learn more about Las Posadas traditions, its history, and how to celebrate.
What is Las Posadas?
Las Posadas, which means "the inns" or "the lodgings" in Spanish, commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. As the tale goes, there was no room at the inn, and the baby Jesus was born in a humble stable.
During the celebration, which lasts nine nights, participants reenact Mary and Joseph's journey, going door to door and asking for a place to stay. After eight nights of being turned away, they are accepted on the ninth night (Christmas Eve) and invited to stay in a stable where the infant Jesus would later be born. Traditional songs and prayers are recited during the procession, and plenty of drink, food, and sweets are had when it concludes.
“Las Posadas is celebrated in various Latin American countries (and sometimes called something different, like Novena de Aguinaldos in places such as Venezuela and Colombia), especially in Mexico, and among Hispanic communities around the world. It is a communal event that fosters a sense of togetherness and community to reenact a sacred story, reinforcing cultural and religious ties. It also provides an opportunity for reflection and gratitude as Christmas approaches,” says Jaime Gil Nunez, a native of Mexico and the Spanish content lead for Hallow.
When is Las Posadas?
Las Posadas lasts for the nine days leading up to Christmas. It is celebrated from December 16–24.
Las Posadas traditions and how to celebrate:
There are many ways to celebrate Las Posadas, but if you are doing so for the first time, here’s what you need to have the perfect fiesta.
Find a local celebration
If you’d like to participate in a Las Posadas procession, the best place to inquire would be your local Catholic church. Many parishes perform their own Las Posadas, with children performing the parts of Mary and Joseph. Local museums and cultural groups may also provide Las Posadas events within their communities. Both sources are great places to start if you want to participate firsthand.
Make aguinaldos
Candy makes everything better! Aguinaldos, or posada bags, are passed out to parade- and party-goers. Inside, you’ll find sweets, snacks, and fruits. Popular items include chocolates, hard candies, cookies, lollipops, oranges, and nuts.
Hoist up a piñata
Piñatas are present at almost every Mexican celebration, but have a special meaning during Las Posadas. According to Los Angeles Spanish professor Elsa Aguilar-Rogers, many traditional items used to celebrate Las Posadas are rooted in symbolism, like the piñata. Traditional piñatas have seven points, representing the seven deadly sins, and the sweets that pour out symbolize forgiveness and a new beginning. This is associated with the Christian belief that God sent his only son, Jesus, to deliver the world from sin.
Aside from that, piñatas are a fantastic party game that bring partygoers together. Each participant is blindfolded, and one by one, they try to beat the piñata with a stick to get to the candy inside.
Traditional Las Posadas food and drink
Tamales
Tamales are a celebratory dish made from masa (a corn-based dough) and stuffed with meats, cheese, and even vegetables. They are wrapped in corn husks, steamed, and traditionally eaten alongside rice and beans. There are also sweet versions of tamales filled with pineapple or strawberries. Tamales are considered a special food because of the time it takes to make them. In fact, some even gather for tamale-making parties, making them by the dozen to hand out to family and friends.
Ponche Navideño
Besides traditional food, a special drink is associated with Las Posadas. Mexican Christmas Punch, or Ponche Navideño, is a warm punch that is rooted in indigenous culture. It’s made from apples, pears, oranges, and guava and infused with cinnamon, cloves, tamarind, and hibiscus. Many adults like to add brandy to their ponche for an extra festive kick.
Las Posadas is a beautiful celebration, whether you consider yourself religious or not. There’s much to learn (and lots of fun to be had) in participating in a cultural celebration during the holiday season.
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