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The first Christmas celebration in Mexico took place in 1538 when missionaries brought Roman Catholicism to the new continent. The story of Nacimiento, or Christ's birth, has been celebrated ever since. Las Posadas begins on December 16 with nine days of joyful observance, followed by the presentations of gifts on January 6, which is called Three King Day (Dia de los Tres Reyes.)
Photos by Juliane Backmann
The ceremony of Las Posadas commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph into Bethlehem and their search for lodging in an inn, (Posadas means inn, before the birth of Our Lord).
Everyone participates in the procession singing the verses of "Las Posadas". They make stops requesting lodging but are denied. Three peregrinos (pilgrims, figurines depicting Mary and Joseph are carried in the Anda. Verses alternate from pilgrims to hosts until the sacred nature of their visit is revealed and they are admitted. The doors open and the joyful pilgrims enter singing. "Enter Holy, Holy Pilgrims..."...". Won't you and your entire family accompany Mary and Joseph find shelter?
After the religious ceremony, merrymaking begins with the breaking of the Piñata (a decorated pot filled with candy.) A child is blindfolded, turned around a few times, given a stick and a chance to break it. When the Piñata is broken, the children scramble for the candy.
The public is invited to participate at our
Las Posadas on Olvera Street
Translation by the Mexican Cultural Institute
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