Las Posadas, which means “The Inns,” is a traditional Advent/Christmas celebration in Latin America, particularly Mexico, and among many Mexican Americans. It dates back more than 400 years to Spain, when Catholic priests found they could best teach many of the biblical stories to illiterate believers by using drama. Las Posadas traditionally is celebrated for nine nights from December 16 through 24, culminating in the Christmas Eve worship service.

It is designed to reenact the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and search for lodging. Each night of the traditional Posadas, pilgrims gather and process to a different home of a host family.

The procession is often led by a child dressed as an angel. Two other children are dressed as Mary and Joseph. Other children may be dressed in gold or silver. Songs are sung as the procession traverses the streets, often lit by farolitas (little lights), or luminarias.

When the group arrives at the home, they knock at the door. The host family answers. The group then divides into two. One group takes the role of the Innkeeper with the host family, and the other group stays with Mary and Joseph representing the weary Travelers looking for shelter.

A short litany is recited usually in the form of a song. Finally, when the Holy Family is recognized, everyone is welcomed into the home for celebration including many traditional foods, candy, and singing. Each evening culminates with the breaking of a piñata.

On Christmas Eve, the celebration is particularly festive, and ends with the Christmas Eve Mass or worship service.

Below is the shedule for the posasdas at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish.

Wednesday/Miercoles 12/16/2009 Garcia Family 1841 Por Fin
Thursday/Jueves 12/17/2009 Kennedy Apts
Friday/Viernes 12/18/2009 Agustain Family 129 N. Schutz
Saturday/Sabado 12/19/2009 Martinez Family 138 Gibbs
Sunday/Domingo 12/20/2009 Lopez Family 253 Lone Star
Monday/Lunes 12/21/2009 Padilla Family 273 Romeria
Tuesday/Martes 12/22/2009 Enchinton Family 9837 Gifford
Wednesday/Miercoles 12/23/2009 Gonzales Family 608 Villa Pl
Thursday/Jueves 12/24/2009 Main Church

Tradicion de las posadas

Las posadas no son otra cosa que la novena de Navidad. Comienzan el 16 de diciembre y terminan el 24. La ceremonia consiste en una procesión desde las Iglesias o en las casas particulares donde se lleva en andas a los Santos Peregrinos, o sea a las imágenes de María y José algunas veces acompañados de un burro o guiados por un ángel. En algunos lugares varias familias con anterioridad se reparten las posadas, es decir cada noche una familia distinta organiza la posada y los peregrinos irán peregrinando de una casa a otra.

Durante la procesión, los participantes iluminados por pequeñas veladoras caminan detrás de los Santos peregrinos rezando el Santo Rosario. La procesión ant diálogo cantado se solicita posada una y otra vez hasta que se abre el portón dando entrada a los Santos Peregrinos.

Luego en los atrios o en los patios se cuelgan y se rompen las piñatas, ollas decoradas que con papel de china toman múltiples formas que se rellenan de frutas, cacahuates y dulces. La forma más común en las piñatas es la estrella de siete picos. Cada pico representa un pecado capital; el golpear y romper cada pico representa vencer al pecado y recibir los dones de Dios representados por la fruta y los dulces. Más tarde la fiesta continúa cuando se ofrece a los comensales una rica merienda de platillos tradicionales de la época. Y la música ameniza el baile.