Christmas is one of the most important times of the year, not only in the United States but also in many countries around the world. Each place has its own unique traditions that make this holiday a special celebration, such as Las Posadas in Mexico. Here we explain what they are, how they are celebrated, and everything you need to know about this Mexican tradition.
What are Christmas Posadas?
History tells us that Las Posadas arrived in Mexico with the Spanish conquistadors, altering the ancient Aztec tradition. The Mexicas celebrated the arrival of their god Huitzilopochtli in December, during the month of Panquetzaliztli. This celebration started on December 6 and lasted 20 days, during which fruit trees were decorated with flags, and banners were placed at the main temple.
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However, it was with the Spanish that the so-called “Misas de Aguinaldo” were established, held from December 16 to 24. These masses took place outdoors and consisted of reading passages and performing Christmas-related plays, what we now know as “Pastorelas”.
Over time, the way of celebrating Las Posadas has evolved, incorporating regional elements. However, they have always been recognized for their vibrant colors, festive songs, and delicious traditional food.
What does Las Posadas mean?
Each of the nine posadas represents a different Christian value: humility, strength, detachment, charity, trust, justice, purity, joy, and generosity.
How is Las Posadas celebrated?
Each night, participants perform a novena focused on a specific aspect of the Nativity story. Las Posadas culminate with a grand celebration and a special Mass on Christmas Eve, marking the beginning of Christmas.
This celebration, commemorating the journey of Mary and Joseph, is characterized by processions known as “peregrinos,” which recreate the journey of the Holy Family from Nazareth to Bethlehem. These processions symbolize the human spirit’s search for acceptance and unity.
Traditional elements of Las Posadas include:
- Piñatas: Usually featuring seven peaks, which represent the seven deadly sins and the Star of Bethlehem.
- Aguinaldos or Bolos: Small bags filled with candy, seasonal fruits, and peanuts, given to children during the posadas.
- Tamales: A hot dish made from dough, steamed in corn husks and filled with meat.
- Ponche Navideño: A hot fruit-based drink made with tejocote, sugar cane, tamarind, apple, pear, guava, and cinnamon.
- Buñuelos: A fried treat, either disk-shaped or round, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon, very popular during the holidays.
- Atole: A warm drink made from piloncillo (raw sugar), cinnamon, corn flour, and milk.
Where are Christmas Posadas celebrated?
This tradition has its roots mainly in Mexico, but over time it has spread to other countries such as Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama.
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What do Mexicans eat for Christmas?
The Christmas season in Mexico is characterized by a wide variety of traditional dishes, with each region having its own specialties. Here’s a list of some of the main Christmas foods in Mexico:
- Turkey
- Pork leg or loin
- Tamales
- Bacalao (salted codfish)
- Romeritos (a type of herb, often served with shrimp)
- Apple salad
- Buñuelos (fried dough)
- Ponche (hot fruit punch)
What do Mexicans do for Christmas?
In Mexico, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations are primarily centered around family. Some of the most notable activities during these dates include:
- Setting up the Christmas tree
- Decorating homes, streets, and public spaces with lights and garlands
- Setting up a Nativity scene, representing the Holy Family around a manger with the arrival of baby Jesus, as well as the Three Kings, some shepherds, and animals
- Toasting with cider at midnight on December 24
- “Arrullar” the Baby Jesus (this involves singing songs to the Baby Jesus while praying a rosary)
- Las Posadas
- Hanging an Advent wreath, which represents the first stage of the liturgical year and begins as a period of preparation for the anticipated arrival of God incarnate.
In addition to the Christmas Eve dinner, Posadas are one of the most representative traditions in Mexico during the holiday season Read More
