Christmas Posadas: Complete guide to celebrate it

Posadas are one of the most deep-rooted and significant traditions of Mexican culture, and are celebrated from December 16 to 24. During these nine days before Christmas, the journey of the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem is remembered, in search of a place where the Baby Jesus could be born.

More than a simple holiday, this religious tradition is a time of reflection and unity. Every night, Mexican Catholics gather to relive the pilgrimage of Joseph and Mary pregnant with the Child Jesus, creating an atmosphere full of joy, devotion and deep symbolism.

Below, we offer you a guide to enjoy and understand this beautiful tradition and everything it entails.

Origen

According to tradition, the origin of the inns dates back to the time of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. In 1587, the Augustinian friar Diego de Soria asked Pope Sixtus V to establish a novena as a tool of evangelization for indigenous peoples, replacing pagan practices.

Initially, the celebrations were held in church atriums and open chapels, where the Catechism was taught. Over time, the tradition moved to neighborhoods and homes, enriching itself with popular singing, pyrotechnics and dancing.

Elements of the inns

Rosario: Every night, during the nine days of the posadas, families and neighbors gather to recreate the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph through a solemn procession.

The celebration begins with the recitation of the Holy Rosary, and at the conclusion of the fifth mystery, the procession begins with the images of the Holy Pilgrims in front. During the journey to where the posada will be requested, the faithful sing the litany in Latin, while carrying lit candles or lights.

The Episcopal Commission for the Liturgical Pastoral of the Conference of the Mexican Episcopate elaborated in December 2020 a special subsidy to celebrate family posadas, originally used during the pandemic and which can still be used. For its part, the weekly Desde la Fe of the Primate Archdiocese of Mexico public a series of intentions and ejaculations for these days, with the aim of accompanying the faithful in their prayer and reflection during this significant tradition.

Pray for our conversion and that of the whole world. May we not be seduced by what is commercial, what is false, what is superficial. May we not forget that Jesus is the reason for Christmas.

Pray for all families. May there be understanding, harmony, reconciliation and unity among its members this Christmas.

Pray that the tenderness of the Birth of the Child Jesus moves all people to defend human life from its conception to its natural end.

Pray that this Christmas no one suffers hunger, thirst, cold, loneliness. May we know how to see Jesus in those in need, love him and remedy his need.

Pray for peace to reign this Christmas, especially in the hearts of the leaders of nations, so that wars, violence, injustices, and persecutions cease.

Mary, Mother of grace, Mother of Mercy, in life and in death, protect us, great Lady.

Oh my Jesus, save us from the fires of hell. Take all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of Your Mercy.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You.

Holy Mary, Mother of the Child Jesus, ask her to fill us with Her Love and Her Light.

Posada: Upon arriving at the place or house that will “house” the inn, a sung dialogue takes place between the pilgrims and the hosts. The hosts, representing the innkeepers, deny entry several times until, finally, they recognize the pilgrims and open the doors with joy and jubilation. This part of the celebration symbolizes the welcome of the human heart towards the arrival of El Salvador.

This is the song that is sung:

Pilgrims:

in the name of heaven

I ask you for a posada,

because he can’t walk

my beloved wife.

Innkeepers:

It’s not an inn here,

keep going.

I can’t open

don’t be some thug.

Pilgrims:

Don’t be inhuman

have charity for us,

that the God of heaven

will reward you.

Innkeepers:

You can go now

and do not disturb,

because if I get angry

I’m going to beat you up.

Pilgrims:

We come exhausted

from Nazareth,

I am a carpenter

named José.

Innkeepers:

I don’t care about the name,

let me sleep,

well I already tell you

that we should not open.

Pilgrims:

Posada asks you,

beloved home,

for just one night

the queen of heaven.

Innkeepers:

Well if she is a queen

who requests it,

how come at night

are you tan solita?

Pilgrims:

My wife is Maria,

she is queen of heaven,

and mother is going to be

of the Divine Word.

Innkeepers:

Are you José?

Is your wife Maria?

Enter pilgrims,

I didn’t know them.

Pilgrims:

God pay, gentlemen,

your charity,

and may the sky fill you

of happiness.

All:

Blessed is the house

that shelters this day

to the pure Virgin,

the beautiful Maria!

(The innkeepers open the door and let the pilgrims enter)

Enter holy pilgrims,

receive this corner,

that although the dwelling is poor,

I give it to you from the heart!

Let’s sing with joy

all when considering

that Jesus, Joseph and Mary

They come to visit us!

Celebration: Once the inn is granted, the celebration continues with Christmas carol music, food and the distribution of Christmas bonuses.

Bonuses are small gifts given to participants, especially children, which consist of bags decorated with typical sweets such as candies, lollipops, chocolates and seasonal fruits, as well as peanuts and sometimes small toys.

One of the most anticipated moments of the inn is breaking the piñatawhich has deep symbolism. The traditional piñata is usually shaped like a star with seven peaks, each representing one of the deadly sins: pride, greed, lust, anger, gluttony, envy and laziness.

The piñata, traditionally filled with sweets and/or fruits, symbolizes the divine rewards and blessings received by overcoming temptations.

The festival would not be complete without the typical foods that accompany this celebration. Families often prepare ponche, a hot drink made with seasonal fruits such as tejocotes, guavas, apples, sugar canes and aromatic spices such as cinnamon and cloves, sweetened with piloncillo.

Along with this drink, you can enjoy fritters, crispy and golden, sprinkled with sugar or dipped in piloncillo honey, as well as tamales, prepared with corn dough filled with various ingredients.