Las Posadas en México
Christmas is a very important holiday in Mexico. Mexicans celebrate many of the same things that we do on this holiday, but one important fiesta (party) that they celebrate, which we do not, is Las Posadas.
Posada means shelter. Shelter, as you may know is a warm, safe place. A long time ago Mary and Joseph, who were expecting a little baby, were making a very long trip in cold weather. They were looking for a "posada" so that they could bring their new baby there. Mexicans remember this long journey or trip by having parties called posadas.
Every December from the 16th-24th a party is held at somone's house in the neighborhood. There are drinks, food, candy and fruit. When it starts to get dark, al of the guests stand outside of the house. A small child, who dresses up like an angel leads the other children who dress up like Mary and Joseph. The adults follow them, sometimes playing musical instruments. Everyone sings songs and carries candles. When they reach the house, one group stays outside and the other goes in. The people who are outside pretend they are Mary and Joseph looking for a "posada" or shelter. They beg at the door to be let in form the cold. When the doors open and the two groups meet again, the big fiesta begins!
Every posada ends with the breaking of a piñata. The guests take turns trying to break the piñata and when it does break, the children run happily to gather it's contents-candy, toys, and sometimes money!
Futura Language Professionals
Christmas is a very important holiday in Mexico. Mexicans celebrate many of the same things that we do on this holiday, but one important fiesta (party) that they celebrate, which we do not, is Las Posadas.
Posada means shelter. Shelter, as you may know is a warm, safe place. A long time ago Mary and Joseph, who were expecting a little baby, were making a very long trip in cold weather. They were looking for a "posada" so that they could bring their new baby there. Mexicans remember this long journey or trip by having parties called posadas.
Every December from the 16th-24th a party is held at somone's house in the neighborhood. There are drinks, food, candy and fruit. When it starts to get dark, al of the guests stand outside of the house. A small child, who dresses up like an angel leads the other children who dress up like Mary and Joseph. The adults follow them, sometimes playing musical instruments. Everyone sings songs and carries candles. When they reach the house, one group stays outside and the other goes in. The people who are outside pretend they are Mary and Joseph looking for a "posada" or shelter. They beg at the door to be let in form the cold. When the doors open and the two groups meet again, the big fiesta begins!
Every posada ends with the breaking of a piñata. The guests take turns trying to break the piñata and when it does break, the children run happily to gather it's contents-candy, toys, and sometimes money!
Futura Language Professionals