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Las Posadas
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Children smashing a traditional star-shaped piñata in a pre-posada party in Mexico City.

Las Posadas is a novenario (an extended devotional prayer). It is celebrated chiefly in Latin America (El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras) and by Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States.[1][2] It is typically celebrated each year between December 16 and December 24.[1] Latin American countries have continued to celebrate the holiday, with very few changes to the tradition.

Etymology

[edit]

Las Posadas derives from the Spanish word posada (lodging, or accommodation) which, in this case, refers to the inn from the Nativity story. It uses the plural form as the celebration lasts for a nine-day interval (called the novena) during the Christmas season, which represents the nine-month pregnancy[3][4] of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ.

History

[edit]
Children in Oaxaca, Mexico, celebrating Las Posadas.

This celebration has been a Mexican tradition for over 430 years, starting in 1586. Many Mexican holidays include dramatizations of original events, a tradition which has its roots in the ritual of Bible plays used to teach religious doctrine to a largely illiterate population in 10th- and 11th-century Europe. The plays lost favor with the Church and were eventually banned as they became popular through the addition of folk music and other non-religious elements; they were reintroduced in the 16th century by two Spanish saints[who?] as the Christmas pageant — a new kind of religious ceremony to accompany the Christmas holiday.

The origins of Las Posadas are associated with the Augustinian friars of San Agustín de Acolman, near Mexico City. In 1586, Friar Diego de Soria obtained authorization from Pope Sixtus V to hold misas de aguinaldo (“Christmas gift masses”) between December 16 and 24. The observance, which began in churches, later spread to haciendas and private homes, taking on its modern form by the 19th century.[5]

In Mexico, the winter solstice festival was one of the most important celebrations of the year that came on December 12 according to the Julian calendar used by the Spanish until 1582.[6][7][8] According to the Aztec calendar, Tonantzin (the mother of the gods) was celebrated on the winter solstice, and she is still feted on December 12,[7][8][9] while their most important deity, the sun god Huitzilopochtli, was born during the month of December (panquetzaliztli). The parallel in time between this native celebration and the celebration of Christmas lent itself to an almost-seamless merging of the two holidays. Seeing the opportunity to proselytize, Spanish missionaries brought the reinvented religious pageant to Mexico where they used it to teach the story of Jesus' birth. In 1586, Friar Diego de Soria obtained a Papal bull from Pope Sixtus V, stating that a Christmas mass should be observed throughout Mexico on the nine days preceding Christmas Day.[citation needed]

While its roots are in Catholicism, Protestant Latinos also follow the tradition.[3]

In recent times, it has become popular to call any non-religious party celebrated in December, a posada. Schools and workplaces typically call posada to their Christmas/Holiday/end-of-the-year party.[10] This has prompted protests from Catholic groups against the indiscriminate use of the term.[11]

Re-enactment

[edit]

Two people dress up as Mary and Joseph and certain houses are designated to be "inns"; the head of the procession carries a candle inside a paper shade. The actors travel to one house each night for nine nights. At each house, the resident responds by singing a song and the pair are recognized and allowed to enter; the group of guests come into the home and kneel around the Nativity scene to pray (typically, the Rosary). The final location may be a church instead of a home.

Individuals may play the various parts of Mary (María) and Joseph (José), with the expectant mother riding a real donkey, attendants such as angels and shepherds joining along the way, or pilgrims who may carry images of the holy personages instead, while children may carry poinsettias.[12] The procession is followed by musicians, with the entire procession singing posadas such as pedir posada.[4] At the end of each night, Christmas carols are sung, children break open star-shaped piñatas and everyone sits for a feast.[4][13] The piñatas used during the holiday are traditionally made out of clay.

Regional variations

[edit]

One event in Portland, Oregon, finishes with Santa Claus and Christmas gifts donated to needy children.[14]

A large procession has been held since 1966 along the San Antonio River Walk.[15][16] It traverses large landmarks in San Antonio, Texas, including the Arneson River Theater, Museo Alameda, and the Spanish Governor's Palace, ending at the Cathedral of San Fernando.[17]

In the Philippines, the tradition of Las Posadas is illustrated by the Panunulúyan pageant; sometimes it is performed immediately before the Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass) and sometimes on each of the nine nights. The main difference, compared to Mexico, is that actors are used for Mary and Joseph instead of statues and sing the requests for accommodation. The lines of the "innkeepers" are also often sung, but sometimes these respond without singing. Another difference is that the lyrics are not in Spanish but in a Philippine language.

In Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador, families and friends gather from the 16th to the 24th of December to pray the Novena de Aguinaldos.[18]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Las Posadas

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from Grokipedia
Las Posadas is a traditional celebration in and other Latin American countries, held from December 16 to 24, that reenacts the Biblical journey of the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph from to as they seek lodging for the birth of Jesus. The term "Las Posadas," meaning "the inns" in Spanish, symbolizes their repeated requests for shelter, which are denied until the final night. This Catholic ritual blends religious devotion with communal festivity, fostering a sense of faith and togetherness during the Advent season. Originating in and introduced to in the by Catholic missionaries during the colonial period, Las Posadas was adapted to incorporate indigenous customs, serving as a tool for evangelization while replacing pre-Hispanic rituals. Over four centuries, it has evolved into a cherished cultural practice, particularly among communities in the United States, emphasizing themes of hospitality, perseverance, and preparation for . The nine nights of the celebration represent the nine months of Mary's pregnancy, culminating on with a midnight Mass known as Misa de Gallo. Each evening, participants form processions carrying candles, images of Mary and (often on a small or with actors portraying them), and sometimes children dressed as angels or shepherds leading the way. The group proceeds from house to house, singing traditional villancicos ( carols) such as "Pidiendo Posada" (Requesting Lodging), where the pilgrims plead for entry while the "innkeepers" inside respond in song, initially refusing them to mimic the Biblical rejections. Upon reaching the designated host house on the ninth night—or sometimes each night in variations—they are welcomed inside for prayers, the breaking of a star-shaped symbolizing the and the seven points representing the seven deadly sins, followed by feasting on foods like tamales, ponche (hot fruit punch), and buñuelos. This ritual not only retells but also reinforces community bonds, charity, and spiritual reflection in a vibrant, participatory manner.

Origins

Etymology

The term "Las Posadas" derives from the Spanish word posada, which means "" or "," directly alluding to the biblical account in the Gospel of Luke where Mary and Joseph seek shelter in but find no room at the before the birth of . This linguistic choice reflects the tradition's focus on the Holy Family's pilgrimage and the theme of hospitality central to the Nativity narrative. The plural form "Las Posadas" emphasizes the nine-day duration of the observance, known as a , which symbolically represents the nine months of Mary's with . This structure underscores the anticipatory nature of the celebration, building nightly toward . Linguistically, posada evolved from the Spanish verb posar, meaning "to lodge" or "to ," which traces back to the Late Latin pausare, denoting "to pause" or "to repose." In the context of Spanish colonial expansion to the during the , the term adapted to describe this religious custom, integrating European Catholic practices with local indigenous elements to evoke communal shelter and spiritual preparation.

Historical Development

The tradition of Las Posadas emerged in during the late as part of Spanish colonial evangelization efforts to convert indigenous populations to Catholicism. In 1587, Augustinian at the monastery of San Agustín de Acolman, near , initiated the practice under the leadership of Diego de Soria, the order's prior, who sought to establish a series of devotional masses to prepare for while teaching biblical narratives to native communities. The first posada was held at this convent. In 1587, granted papal authorization via a bull to de Soria, permitting the celebration of nine evening masses—known as Misas de Aguinaldo—from December 16 to 24 across . This structure formalized Las Posadas as a structured devotion, emphasizing the pilgrimage of Mary and in search of lodging, and allowed missionaries to extend observances beyond standard liturgical calendars. The papal endorsement was crucial for integrating the tradition into colonial religious life, ensuring its institutional support amid the broader Catholic reforms of the era. Las Posadas drew its dramatic form from 16th-century European precedents, particularly Spanish adaptations of medieval mystery plays and biblical reenactments that vividly portrayed scriptural events for illiterate audiences. These theatrical elements, which had evolved from earlier 10th-century plays in used to catechize the faithful, were transported to the during colonization and modified to suit goals, transforming abstract into participatory rituals. In adapting these European customs, the Augustinian friars observed and incorporated aspects of pre-Hispanic Aztec rituals tied to the , such as communal celebrations honoring , the revered associated with fertility and earth. Indigenous practices around December involved songs, lights, and processions symbolizing the sun's rebirth—often linked to deities like Huitzilopochtli or —which aligned temporally with the Christian Advent season (December 20–23 by the ). This syncretic approach, part of broader strategies by orders like the , , and Dominicans, helped bridge cultural gaps, making the reenactment of the Nativity resonate with native spiritual expressions of renewal and .

Significance

Religious and Theological Meaning

Las Posadas embodies the core Catholic theme of and , reenacting the journey of Mary and to as a profound meditation on the , where enters human history through the birth of Christ. This spiritual exercise invites participants to reflect on the divine manifested in the Holy Family's humble search for , underscoring God's preference for the lowly and the mystery of the Word becoming flesh. Structured as a from December 16 to 24, Las Posadas serves as an integral part of Advent preparation, fostering anticipation of Christ's nativity through daily communal that emphasizes , the pain of rejection, and trust in . The nine-day format draws participants into the biblical narrative of Mary and Joseph's trials, highlighting God's providential care amid human indifference and encouraging a posture of openness to the stranger as an encounter with Christ himself. Liturgically, the observance incorporates the recitation of the each evening, meditating on the joyful mysteries that parallel the events leading to the , and culminates on December 24 with integration into the Vigil , transitioning the community's expectation into celebration of the Savior's birth. Theologically, the symbolize the of Mary's , representing the Church's collective and hopeful waiting for the fulfillment of God's in the . This papal-authorized tradition, originating from a 1586 for nine-day Christmas masses in , reinforces its rootedness in Catholic devotion.

Cultural and Symbolic Importance

Las Posadas plays a central role in strengthening community ties across and communities, where nightly processions from December 16 to 24 gather neighbors, families, and friends in reenactments that emphasize and mutual support. These gatherings, often hosted by rotating households, culminate in shared feasts that reinforce social bonds and collective , transforming the tradition into a vital expression of communal identity and . The tradition exemplifies cultural , blending Catholic rituals introduced by Spanish missionaries in the with pre-Hispanic indigenous practices, particularly Aztec winter solstice celebrations honoring the birth of the god Huitzilopochtli. These Aztec rites featured midnight processions, singing, dancing under floral arches, and communal feasting with symbolic foods like corn paste figures, which missionaries adapted to overlay the Christian narrative of Mary and Joseph's journey, creating a hybrid observance that persists today. Key symbolic elements enrich the tradition's cultural depth: the star-shaped lantern carried in processions represents the Star of Bethlehem guiding the Magi, evoking themes of hope and divine direction amid uncertainty. Poinsettias, known as flores de Nochebuena, symbolize purity and renewal, their red bracts—sacred to Aztecs for dyeing and rituals—blooming naturally in winter to herald the season's communal joy. The piñata, typically a seven-pointed star, embodies the struggle against temptation, with its points signifying the seven deadly sins, the blindfold denoting faith, the stick willpower, and the spilling candies rewards of perseverance and charity. Beyond local practices, Las Posadas profoundly shapes Mexican national identity, embodying heritage through its integration of European and indigenous elements, and has been recognized as part of Mexico's , underscoring its enduring value in preserving and social cohesion.

Observance

Re-enactment Process

Las Posadas re-enactment unfolds over a period from December 16 to 24, commemorating the journey of Mary and to as described in the Gospel of Luke. Participants are divided into two primary groups: the "pilgrims," who portray Mary, , and their followers, and the "innkeepers," who represent the hosts at successive homes or stations. This communal drama emphasizes the pilgrims' persistent search for shelter, symbolizing themes of rejection and eventual acceptance in the narrative. Each evening, the pilgrims form a that moves through the neighborhood or designated route, often beginning at a church or starting home. Leading the group may be a child dressed as an angel carrying a star-shaped lantern to evoke the , while Mary—typically depicted as pregnant and either portrayed by a young girl or represented by a —is accompanied by , sometimes with a live or a for authenticity. The advances to a predetermined house, where the pilgrims knock on the door and initiate the core dialogue through verses of the traditional "Pedir Posada" song, requesting lodging in a call-and-response format with those inside. For the first eight nights, the innkeepers respond with verses denying entry, citing a lack of space or suspicion of the travelers, heightening the dramatic tension as the pilgrims are turned away and proceed to the next station. This refusal-repetition builds anticipation, mirroring the biblical account of multiple rejections before finding refuge. Props such as the Mary and figures, lanterns, and occasionally musical instruments enhance the visual and auditory immersion, drawing community members of all ages into the roles. On the ninth night, December 24, the innkeepers finally recognize the pilgrims—often signaled by a change in the song's lyrics—and grant entry into the "inn," allowing the group to process inside amid applause and joy. This acceptance culminates the re-enactment, immediately preceding the traditional , known as Misa de Gallo, where participants gather for prayer and celebration of Christ's birth.

Rituals, Songs, and Customs

The observance of Las Posadas includes the recitation of the daily and litanies as a preparatory devotional practice before the processions begin each evening from December 16 to 24, led by a parish or community leader to foster spiritual reflection during the . Central to the rituals are traditional villancicos, or carols, performed in a call-and-response format that engages participants inside and outside the designated homes; the primary song, "Pidiendo Posada" (Seeking Lodging), features pilgrims outside pleading for shelter with verses like "En el nombre del cielo os pido posada" and innkeepers inside responding with rejections such as "Aquí no es mesón, sigan adelante," repeated across multiple stops until acceptance at the final house. Musical accompaniment draws from colonial-era hymns introduced by Spanish missionaries in the , which evolved through with indigenous traditions into folk adaptations featuring portable instruments like guitars for rhythmic strumming and ensembles with violins, alongside occasional maracas for percussion and community choirs to amplify the festive singing. Customary practices following the re-enactment emphasize communal joy, including the breaking of a seven-pointed shaped like the to symbolize the defeat of the seven deadly sins, after which participants receive colación—a mixture of candied fruits, nuts, and peanuts—as aguinaldos or small gifts. The evening concludes with a shared feast featuring tamales, hot ponche navideño (a spiced fruit punch), and other regional foods, accompanied by dancing, games, and that strengthen family and neighborhood bonds through intergenerational participation.

Variations and Adaptations

Regional Variations

In , Las Posadas typically involves intimate, home-based processions where groups of family and neighbors travel from house to house, singing traditional songs and requesting , often ending with the breaking of star-shaped piñatas symbolizing the triumph over sin. These gatherings emphasize community bonding through shared meals like tamales and . In the southern state of , celebrations incorporate indigenous dances that blend pre-Hispanic rhythms and costumes with the Christian narrative during the re-enactment. In , the observance expands to larger community events starting from parish churches, with processions accompanied by that light up the and symbolize joy at the impending birth of . Similarly, in , Las Posadas features communal parades through neighborhoods, where participants in traditional attire sing villancicos and share food, fostering a sense of collective preparation for . are also integrated in both countries, adding a vibrant auditory and visual element to the nightly rituals. In the United States, particularly , , a prominent adaptation occurs annually along the River Walk, where a grand procession has taken place since 1971, drawing thousands to witness the re-enactment amid the scenic waterway lined with historic sites. In the , the tradition manifests as Panunulúyan, a dramatic pageant adapted from Spanish colonial influences during the , where performers in period costumes sing dialogues in Tagalog while seeking shelter in simulated inns. In , an adaptation known as involves competitive community celebrations with music, floats, and , reenacting elements of the Posadas journey in a festive, rivalry-based format among neighborhoods.

Global and Modern Observance

Las Posadas has extended its observance to expat communities in non-traditional regions such as , where Mexican families in recreate the processions to maintain cultural ties during the holiday season. These adaptations highlight the tradition's portability, blending with local celebrations to promote cultural exchange. Contemporary evolutions of Las Posadas reflect responses to modern challenges and values. During the from 2020 to 2022, communities shifted to virtual formats, with organizations like Mano en Mano hosting online commemorations featuring processions, songs, and prayers via video streams to sustain communal spirit while adhering to health restrictions. Eco-friendly versions have emerged, incorporating sustainable piñatas made from recycled materials and hotels implementing waste-minimizing practices, such as reduced water use and clean energy during events, to align the tradition with environmental conservation. In the United States, Las Posadas is integrated into public school curricula for cultural education; for instance, third-grade students at Archer Street Elementary School in New York presented overviews of the holiday as part of a Festival of Lights event honoring diverse traditions like and , complete with songs and artwork to build intercultural understanding. The tradition influences broader global Christmas events, notably in Portland, Oregon, where one event concludes with Santa Claus distributing donated gifts to underprivileged children, merging Mexican heritage with American holiday elements to enhance community outreach. Post-2018, UNESCO has supported preservation initiatives for Mexican intangible heritage amid urbanization.

References

  1. https://www.si.edu/collections/snapshot/las-posadas
  2. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/st-anthony-messenger/las-posadas-a-mexican-christmas-tradition/
  3. https://hs.as.uky.edu/mexican-christmas-tradition-posadas
  4. https://www.unleashthegospel.org/2020/01/las-posadas-a-tradition-with-biblical-roots-reflects-a-contemporary-history-for-detroits-mexican-american-community/
  5. https://dbg.org/history-of-la-posada/
  6. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/posada
  7. https://aleteia.org/2018/12/21/a-brief-guide-to-the-mexican-tradition-of-las-posadas/
  8. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/posada
  9. https://mexiconewsdaily.com/culture/primer-why-do-mexicans-celebrate-posadas/
  10. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253099/how-the-posadas-before-christmas-in-mexico-originated
  11. http://augnet.org/en/history/people/4372-diego-soria/
  12. https://arkvalleyvoice.com/holiday-traditions-stretch-back-into-history-las-posadas-in-new-mexico/
  13. https://ourladymonroe.org/news/363-las-posadas
  14. https://mcgrathblog.nd.edu/welcoming-the-stranger-las-posadas
  15. https://uscatholic.org/articles/202012/the-spirit-of-las-posadas-inspires-welcome-all-year/
  16. https://buildfaith.org/meaning-and-invitation-of-las-posadas/
  17. https://www.catholic.org/news/hf/faith/story.php?id=48757
  18. https://buildfaith.org/meaning-and-invitation-of-las-posadas
  19. https://nationaltoday.com/las-posadas/
  20. https://newstaco.com/2011/12/20/las-posadas-an-aztec-celebration/
  21. https://edsitement.neh.gov/closer-readings/poinsettias-posadas-pinatas-pathways-light-holiday-traditions-mexico
  22. https://www.mexconnect.com/articles/1103-posadas-pastorelas-and-nacimientos
  23. https://christus.jesuitasmexico.org/las-posadas-mas-alla-del-ponche-el-sincretismo/
  24. https://www.dohio.org/files/resources/las-posadas-pageant.pdf
  25. https://udayton.edu/blogs/marianlibrary/2024-12-13-las-posadas-in-song-and-art.php
  26. https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/foodways-holidays-las-posadas
  27. https://www.nmhu.edu/nmhu-mariachi-to-accompany-community-las-posadas-celebration-2/
  28. https://scholar.csl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?filename=1&article=1050&context=cs1920&type=additional
  29. https://pages.stolaf.edu/americanmusic/2022/10/03/las-posadas-a-reason-to-be-hopeful/
  30. https://www.fallriverdiocese.org/app/uploads/sites/19/2023/09/las-posadas-booklet.pdf
  31. https://www.ohs.org/education/traveling-trunk-program/upload/mexican-american-folklife.pdf
  32. https://www.npr.org/2021/12/22/1064546215/pinata-mexico-posadas-celebration
  33. https://www.britannica.com/art/Native-American-dance/Mexico-and-Mesoamerica
  34. https://growingupbilingual.com/las-posadas-navidenas-christmas-tradition-in-guatemala/
  35. https://www.laprensa.hn/sanpedro/posadas-tradicion-mantiene-comunidades-navidad-honduras-DY4463577
  36. https://410bridge.org/christmas-in-guatemala/
  37. https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/about/our-history/
  38. https://lacasa.illinois.edu/events/las-posadas
  39. https://www.britannica.com/topic/parranda
  40. https://lamamilife.com/2024/12/23/the-magic-of-a-mexican-posada-in-spain/
  41. https://www.manomaine.org/news/la-posada-2020-virtual-commemoration
  42. https://grupopresidente.com.mx/2023/11/13/hotel-in-polanco-mexico-city-for-magic-and-sustainable-posadas/
  43. https://freeportschools.org/schools/archer_street_school
  44. https://theresilienceresource.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Holiday-Memories-and-traditions-from-around-the-world.pdf
  45. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/work-between-mexico-and-unesco-strengthen-urban-planning-and-living-heritage-links-begins
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