Latin America, as is well known, is rich in traditions and celebrations. During this meaningful December season, posadas are an essential part of marking the beginning of Christmas festivities.
Have you ever attended one? On this occasion, we’ll tell you about posadas in Mexico and how they have become an unmissable part of year-end celebrations.
Posadas: Their Origin
The Aztecs held a special celebration for the god Huitzilopochtli during the month of Panquetzaliztli (which, in today’s calendar, corresponds roughly to December).
It was a long-lasting festival that spanned 20 days and involved the entire community, as well as religious figures and rulers. (This is why today it’s common to receive posada invitations from the beginning of December up until the day before Christmas.)
After the arrival of the Spaniards and the subsequent colonization, this and other celebrations considered “pagan” were adapted into forms accepted by the Church. Masses were added, along with the beloved Pastorelas, theatrical plays that often tell—sometimes humorously—the story of the birth of the Baby Jesus.
Posadas Today
Now that we know their origins, let’s talk about how posadas are celebrated today.
If you attend a fully traditional posada, the procession of pilgrims (the participants in the celebration) begins at the local church, carrying the nativity figures—mainly Mary and Joseph.
They visit different homes, singing traditional carols and asking for shelter while holding lit candles in their hands, reenacting the journey before the birth. Once they are welcomed in (usually at a house previously chosen for the celebration), prayers are said and, at the end, everyone celebrates with a festive feast.
Posadas With Friends
Today, even people who are not very religious continue to celebrate this beautiful tradition, as it’s a wonderful way to bring together family and friends.
In these gatherings, it’s common to use the classic booklet with the traditional posada songs, asking for shelter for the pilgrims as everyone stands at the agreed-upon entrance of the celebration.
Participants sing the traditional verses of “os pido posada”, waiting for the host’s response: “entren santos peregrinos.”
Afterward, everyone enjoys dinner together like one big family, sharing the variety of dishes prepared by both the guests and the host.
Star Dishes at Posadas
Fruit punch (Ponche): A hot beverage made with fruits such as guava, tejocote, and sugarcane, among others. It’s essential for keeping warm during cold nights. Tip: some people add aguardiente to turn it into a very festive cocktail.
Buñuelos: Traditional Mexican buñuelos (often called buñuelos de rodilla) are thin, crispy fried pastries topped with sugar and syrup—an authentic Christmas treat!
Tamales: When it comes to savory dishes, this is one of the stars. Made with corn dough and filled with options like cheese with chiles, chicken in green sauce, or pork in mole—we guarantee you won’t stop at just one!
These are just a few examples, as the list is long. You may also find pasta dishes, romeritos, cakes, tacos de canasta, and more.
A Classic: Piñatas
An iconic activity. Originally, this tradition symbolized getting rid of the seven deadly sins, represented by the seven points of the piñata.
In the past, piñatas were filled only with fruit; however, today they often include small toys, coins, assorted candies, and more.
And we can’t forget the most fun part: holding a stick while friends sing “Dale, dale, dale”, the song that sets the exact time you have to try to break it.
If you don’t succeed, the next person takes their turn. It’s an activity enjoyed by both children and adults, who usually take turns moving the piñata and dodging the swings.
Similar Christmas Celebrations
Other Latin American countries also have celebrations similar to posadas, including:
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- El Salvador
- Costa Rica
- Nicaragua
- Panama
We hope this article has been helpful in understanding what to expect if you’re invited to a posada—or even to inspire you to host your own! Let us know in the comments what you think about this beautiful tradition; we’d love to hear from you.