Why People Celebrate Las Posadas: A Rich Tradition of Faith, Community, and Culture

Las Posadas is one of the most beloved holiday traditions in Mexico and other Latin American countries during the Christmas season. Families gather to celebrate the journey of Mary and Joseph as they looked for a place to stay before the birth of Jesus. The holiday "Las Posadas" translates to "the inns" in English. This nine-night celebration is from December 16 to December 24.

A Tradition Rooted in Faith

The story of Las Posadas is based on the biblical account of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. According to Christian tradition, Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem looking for a place to stay, but there was no room at the inn. The couple was forced to seek shelter in a stable where Jesus was born in a lowly manger. Las Posadas represents this search for shelter and reminds us of the humble beginnings of Christ's birth and the nine-night celebration is symbolic to the nine months of Mary's pregnancy.

During hard times, especially during the holidays, Las Posadas reminds us of the importance of hospitality, humility, and charity. In the story of Mary and Joseph, their search for shelter serves as a reminder of how vulnerable and in need others can be. The tradition encourages people to open their homes and hearts to those in need, particularly the less fortunate. Some communities turn the celebration into an opportunity to donate food, clothing, or other resources.

The Procession and the Reenactment

The central feature of Las Posadas is the nightly procession where children and adults take on the roles of Mary and Joseph. They walk from house to house, singing traditional songs and asking for shelter. The group usually has a "guide" who represents the angel. Others act as the innkeepers.

At each stop on the procession, the "innkeeper" denies them entry and sings a song about there being no room at the inn. They continue to another house, where the group repeats the request for shelter. Eventually, Mary and Joseph receive a warm welcome at the final home and participants are invited in for a celebration with food and drinks.

Looking to Host Your Own Celebration?

This tradition is a great time to share holiday foods like tamales, atole (a warm corn-based drink), and buñuelos (fried dough pastries). Get inspired by these cookbooks to host your own Las Posadas party.

Latinísimo: Home Recipes from the Twenty-One Countries of Latin America: A Cookbook

by Sandra A Gutierrez

An encyclopedic cookbook (from Chiles Rellenos and Tostones to Golden Coconut Chicken and Dulce de Leche Tart) celebrating Latin American home cooking--the first to cover the day-to-day home cooking of all twenty-one nations--by one of the most respected authorities on the subject

In this monumental work, culinary expert Sandra A. Gutierrez shares more than three hundred everyday dishes that home cooks everywhere will want to replicate. Latinísimo brings together real recipes from home cooks in Argentina, Brazil, Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

These are recipes that reflect the incredible breadth and richness of the culinary traditions of the region. Sweeping in its scope, and filled with history and stories, Latinísimo is an utterly essential resource for every kitchen.

Gran Cocina Latina: The Food of Latin America

by Maricel E Presilla

Gran Cocina Latina unifies the vast culinary landscape of the Latin world, from Mexico to Argentina and all the Spanish-speaking countries of the Caribbean. In one volume it gives home cooks, armchair travelers, and curious chefs the first comprehensive collection of more than 500 recipes from this region.

The dishes range from the foundational adobos and sofritos to empanadas and tamales to ceviches and moles to sancocho and desserts such as flan and tres leches cake. This is a one-of-a-kind cookbook to be savored!

The Latin American Cookbook

by Virgilio Martinez

"This incredible cookbook is truly extraordinary" - Gordon Ramsay

More than 600 remarkable recipes that bring to life the vibrancy of Latin America and its myriad influences - indigenous, European, Asian, and beyond.

Discover traditional and popular recipes for home cooks from South America, Central America, and Mexico. Dishes ranging from iconic - Empanadas, Tamales, Arepas, Tortillas, Quesadillas, and Tacos - to lesser-known specialties - Chilean Disco Fries, Nicaraguan Squash Stew, and Ecuadorian Easter Soup.

Sing for All the World to Hear

The Las Posadas processions are often accompanied by traditional Christmas carols known as "villancicos," which are sung by participants as they walk from house to house. These songs, full of joy and reverence, are an essential part of the tradition, and each night of the celebration brings a different experience as communities unite to celebrate the Advent season.

Merry Navidad!: Villancicos en Espanol E Ingles/Christmas Carols In Spanish And English

by Alma Flor Ada - F Isabel Campoy - Vivi Escriva - Rosalma Zubizarreta - Suni Paz

Come share the joy of a Hispanic Christmas! In this warm and vibrant collection of traditional Spanish Christmas carols, or villancicos, the authors bring to life the holiday traditions of Latin America and Spain. The creative English adaptations both capture the spirit of the originals and add a new dimension to the songs. Come sing along!

Children's Books About Las Posadas

Celebrate Las Posadas - Celebramos Las Posadas: A Bilingual Book in English and Spanish

by Marisa Boan

Celebrate Las Posadas - Celebramos Las Posadas! Learn all about Las Posadas with this bilingual children's book which highlights the customs and traditions of this festive holiday. The festivities are described in brief, easy-to-read text, presented in both English and Spanish. Continue the celebration with 10 extra pages for children to color!

The Night of Las Posadas

by Tomie dePaola

This year, Sister Angie, who is always in charge of the celebration, has to stay home with the flu, and Lupe and Roberto, who are to play Mary and Joseph, get caught in a snowstorm. But a man and a woman no one knows arrive in time to take their place in the procession and then mysteriously disappear at the end before they can be thanked.

That night we witness a Christian miracle, for when Sister Angie goes to the cathedral and kneels before the statue of Mary and Jospeh, wet footprints from the snow lead up to the statue.

Las Posadas: Numbers / Números

by Lil' Libros Lil' Libros - Eliza Moreno

Introduce little ones to numbers and counting through the help of the Latin American holiday, Las Posadas - in English and Spanish!

Embark on a festive journey with your little ones as we celebrate Las Posadas, blending the joy of a 400-year-old Latin American tradition with the magic of numbers in two languages. In this bilingual board book, travelers, carolers, and musicos come together to make counting a celebration!

Join the merriment as we explore the wondrous world of your little one's first numbers, intertwined with everything you find at a posada: delicious food, activities, and sweet holiday treats. This cultural celebration honors Mary and Joseph's nine-day pilgrimage from Bethlehem to Nazareth as they seek shelter for the birth of Baby Jesus.

Hey Kids! Its Las Posadas: Introduction, facts, history & traditions for children

by Mónica Diez

Come partake in these merry and colorful celebrations that are customary in Mexico, the United States, and Latin America.

Learn all about the traditions of Las Posadas with this book;

Festive customs - Children will discover how Las Posadas is observed around the globe through parades, storytelling, music, and food.
Fun information and illustrations - Colorful images encourage children to learn new things about Las Posadas.

This colorful and joyous Las Posadas book will encourage kids to learn more about the holiday. LET'S BEGIN THE JOURNEY!

Las Posadas Books for Adults

The Silver Cradle: Las Posadas, Los Pastores, and Other Mexican American Traditions

by Julia Nott Waugh - Félix D Almaráz - Bob Winn

Originally published in 1955, The Silver Cradle is the story of a year in the life of the Mexican American people of San Antonio, Texas. During the 1950s, Julia Nott Waugh recorded the performances of such seasonal and religious traditions as Las Posadas, Los Pastores, Las Calaveras, the Blessing of the Animals, the liturgical observances of Holy Week, and festivities of el diez y seis de septiembre (Mexican Independence Day), among others.

Waugh has done much more than just open a window onto a charming past. She has captured for us one of the true gifts of our Mexican American heritage--the willingness to ritually celebrate the passage of time and to embellish the occasions with sensitivity and fervor. This book will appeal to the general reader as well as to those interested in folk traditions and Mexican American culture.

Traveling with Mary and Joseph: Praying Las Posadas

by Mathew Kessler

A favorite Hispanic Christmas tradition is the re-enactment of the journey of Mary and Joseph as they tried to find lodging in Bethlehem. That nine-day ritual is called Las Posadas. This pamphlet briefly introduces the Posada experience and offers an abbreviated service for each night. It invites families and individuals to make a spiritual posada using Scripture readings and meditations for further reflection.

Using this pamphlet, family members and parishioners will be able to participate in the simplicity and beauty of this time-honored tradition even if they cannot participate in the service at Church.

Conclusion

Las Posadas is a powerful celebration that reminds us the importance of faith and community. It's a meaningful way to celebrate the Christmas season with family, friends, and neighbors. Whether you are in a small town or a bustling city, the tradition of Las Posadas continues to shine as a beacon of hope, faith, and love during the holiday season.

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