Las Posadas As Celebrated Today

Rich scarlet poinsettias, balloons of all shapes and colors, religious banners and images, candlelit parades and pageants along with gaily decorated and frilly piñatas are all important parts of the Christmas celebration in Mexico. These traditions have been brought to many neighborhoods and are enjoyed by many different cultures in the United States as well.

The Christmas tradition began with a missionary, Fray Pedro deGante, in 1538.
He invited local Indians from miles around to join him in this celebration. His objective was to introduce Biblical teachings and beliefs to the natives. They loved the celebration and it became an integral part of their lives that has carried on in many ways even today. Most of these Indians were from the Poinsettia tribe. Hence, the use of the poinsettia in this celebration.

Las Posada is a series of nine day processions that begin on the 16th of December. It is not known on exactly what day of the year the first celebration took place.

Today’s customs usually begin with the setting up of a manger scene in almost every home and public square. During the nine day processions a re-enacting of the journey to Bethlehem, by Mary and her husband Joseph takes place. There are many plays and pageants and much gaiety during these nine days and nights.

At the end of the last posadas, everyone goes to midnight mass. At the end of mass, Christmas is welcomed in with the ringing of bells, blowing of whistles and fireworks of varied sorts, depending on the community.

Every region of Mexico celebrates with their own special touches included. Some may have bullfights, rodeos, parades, special holiday food booths and potluck style meals. There are often traditional dance exhibitions that anyone can join in with. There is always gay music and decorations that are beyond compare in creativity and color.

The piñata plays a special role in this celebration as well. It is said by some that this tradition began with the first Las Posada and was so popular that it is used for any and all celebrations today, both in Mexico and around the world. While some form of the piñata may have been used during this time, it is actually an Italian tradition that has been adopted by the Mexican people as their own.

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