Are you familiar with the Mexican holiday tradition of Las Posadas? If you have never been part of one of these celebrations before, keep reading to learn all about posadas in Mexico. Las Posadas is Spanish for “The Inns,” and is a religious festival celebrated in Mexico between December 16th and 24th.  It is also observed in some parts of the United States and other Latin American countries as well. The celebration commemorates the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem when they were looking for safe refuge so Mary could give birth to baby Jesus. The ritual of Las Posadas has been a tradition in Mexico for more than 400 years . Today, the word posadas evokes cozy nights spent with beloved family and friends, singing, enjoying a delicious meal, and spreading holiday cheer all around. Keep reading more to learn all about Posadas in Mexico.

 

 

Origins of Posadas

Back in 1586, Friar Diego de Soria obtained a Papal bull from Pope Sixtus V. This ordained a Christmas mass to be observed in Mexico during the nine days preceding Christmas Day. While the roots of the holiday celebrations are likely based in Catholicism, Protestant Latinos also follow the tradition as well. Originally, celebrations were held in church. Also, some people believe the origins of Las Posadas are linked to Augustine priests that wanted to teach Aztec people about their religion. Either way, today Las Posadas is celebrated in Latin America, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Cuba, Spain, and by Hispanics in the United States, too. In general, it is celebrated annually between December 16th and December 24th. Posadas officially end on Christmas Eve on December 24th, which is the ninth and final night of festivities when everyone attends midnight mass. Midnight mass is also referred to as Misa de Gallo, Mass of the Rooster.

 

 

Today’s Posadas

In 2022, most Posada holiday celebrations will be held at home after mass. In modern times, the use of sparklers and the breaking of piñatas has become part of today’s Posada celebrations as well.  The celebrations are an annual holiday gathering for friends and families to come together and sing songs door to door. Plus, the epic experience of sharing delicious food and drink is always a highlight of the celebration which brings neighborhoods and communities together during the holiday season. In fact, most holiday parties held around Christmas in Mexico are called a posada. Similarly, schools often host posadas as end-of-the-year parties for students and teachers as well.

Posada Essentials

Are you wanting to get in the spirit and need all the posada essentials? To start with, it’s easy to give each person a candle and a few sparklers to get the party started. During singing and procession (caminata), the sparklers will be lit as well as just before dinner.  At the beginning of a posada, people are divided in   two groups , the ones “outside” representing  Mary and Joseph , and the ones “inside” representing innkeepers. Together, everyone will sing together going back and forth until they are finally “admitted” to an inn. Typically, a group of singers will approach the first door. Then, the inside group will respond in song without opening the door. Over time, posadas started to be held in neighborhoods and people’s homes, becoming a more familiar and tightly-knit occasion in the days before Christmas. As far as food, traditional posada dinners include tamales, buñuelos, atole and café de olla. After dinner, a piñata will be brought out for the little ones to have some fun, too.

 

 

As 2021 comes to an end, December is here and it’s time for Las Posadas season! If you want to join in on the fun, head to sunny Mexico to enjoy a wonderful vacation in paradise. Right now, Amazing Mexico at (866) 883-0573 has special last minute deals on all-inclusive travel packages. If you want to spend the holidays in Mexico, call Amazing Mexico at (866) 883-0573 and take advantage of special deals before they sell out. Plus, they only work with the country’s top resorts that have spacious accommodations, quality amenities, and premier services, too. Plus, COVID safety and sanitation protocols are in place to keep visitors safe to relax in paradise. The weather is perfect in many top destinations in Mexico right now including Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Cancun, the Riviera Maya and Loreto. Call Amazing Mexico today and treat your family to a getaway in beautiful Mexico!