What does each day of Las Posadas celebrate?

Las Posadas, celebrated yearly from December 16-24, is a religious festival traditionally held in Mexico and parts of Latin America. Translating to ‘The Inns’ in Spanish, Las Posadas is an important part of the Christmas festivities….Las Posadas dates.

What types of activities occur during Las Posadas?

The word posada means “inn” or “shelter” in Spanish. In this tradition, the Bible story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and their search for a place to stay is re-enacted. The tradition also involves a special song, as well as a variety of Mexican Christmas carols, breaking piñatas, and celebration.

What is the big tradition done each of the 9 nights of Las Posadas?

It is a time to come together for nine days and nights of devotion to purification, meditation and getting in touch with the holiness of the season. The Posaditas go to different houses each night and are sent away, until the ninth night, when they are finally given posada (shelter).

What do families do during Las Posadas?

Even though rooted in religion, las posadas had become a popular tradition in South Texas for both Catholics and non-Catholics — the gathering with friends and families, singing songs door to door and sharing food and drinks — which brings neighborhoods and communities together during the holiday season.

What are some fun facts about Las Posadas?

Some interesting facts about Las Posadas involve many symbols. For example, Las Posadas literally means the inns, which is fitting for this celebration as Jesus was born in an inn. People of all ages parade around town dress like wise men, Joseph, Mary and other biblical figures.

What happens after Las Posadas?

On December 24th, the ninth and final night of the Posada, everyone attends midnight mass. Midnight mass is called Misa de Gallo, Mass of the Rooster. Then the real celebrations begin after mass. Santa Claus does not arrive, Christmas presents are not exchanged, this is not part of the Mexican traditional Christmas.

What places celebrate Las Posadas?

Las Posadas is celebrated mostly by communities in Mexico and Central America, and the 9 days of celebration represent the 9 months of pregnancy of the Virgin Mary with her son Jesus.

How does a posada work?

Here’s how Las Posadas might work for you: Divide your party guests randomly into two groups. The first group begins the party inside, and the second group begins the party outside. After some initial mingling, each party-goer is given a song sheet with the lyrics to the traditional Posada song and a single candle.

What are some Las Posadas symbols?

First, a 7-cone star (estrella) representing the Star of Bethlehem; second, a donkey (burro) representing the animal on which Mary rode pregnant to Bethlehem; and third, a Christmas tree (árbol de Navidad) – all of which are traditional shapes used for the 9 days of Las Posadas, Christmas and the Three Kings in Mexico.

What do people decorate for Las Posadas?

For the Posadas, the outside of houses are decorated with evergreens, moss and paper lanterns. In each Posada, children are given candles and a board, with painted clay figures of Mary riding on a donkey and Joseph, to process round the streets with.

How does a Posada work?

How is Las Fallas celebrated?

Las Fallas de Valencia is an annual celebration of the coming of spring, celebrated by burning artistic monuments in the tradition of ancient Valencian carpenters. The festival also includes street parties, parades, and ornate 18th Century costumes. Each neighborhood group is called a Falla.