History of Los Posadas and the Poinsettia

The History of Las Posadas


The Christmas tradition in Mexico began with Fray Pedro deGante, a missionary, in 1538. He invited local Indians from a sixty mile radius, (note: He stated in his journal 20 leagues, which amounts to approximately 3 miles per league or one hours walk.) to join him in this celebration. The purpose behind this celebration was to introduce the natives to Biblical teachings and beliefs.

The natives added their own touch to the celebration by decorating with flowers, feathers, hides and many handcrafts to create a marvelous celebration. It is said that this period of learning and decorating was the beginning of the ‘posadas’ and the birth of the piñatas. Animal entrails and stomachs were cleaned and dyed to create balloons of a sort. Many of these decorations were presented and/or mounted during a daily procession much like a parade today where the participants throw flowers, garlands and other colorful items to the crowd and surrounding areas.

The las posada lasted for nine days. This was in part to allow guests from the farthest distance away the time to join in the festivities. Padre deGante also enlisted the aid of the natives to construct and assemble a nativity scene during this period. He used the experience to teach the Indians about the birth of the baby Jesus. Talking as he worked by their sides.

The ninth day of posada ended with a re-enactment of the journey to Bethlehem that preceded the birth of the baby Jesus. Different households would volunteer for a night and host the procession as the “landlords’ that found room for the young couple and the birth place of the baby Jesus. Teenagers carry images of Joseph, the donkey and Mary riding sidesaddle atop it.

This procession is followed by a midnight mass. Christmas was welcomed after mass with a jubilant celebration that included hand made musical instruments and dancing.

Many of the traditions that began that day are still practiced today.

There are many wonderful legends that accompany the history of Las Posada. One of these is the story of a boy named Pablo. He was a poor boy that lived during the time of Christ. Traveling many miles to see the newborn Jesus, Pablo did not want to arrive empty handed. He picked weeds from the side of the road that he traveled. When he presented these weeds to Mary, they had miraculously turned into a scarlet star, a poinsettia.

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