Tuesday, December 18, 2012

An Advent feast (aka. tradition) you may not know about


Las Posadas

Las Posadas are traditional fiestas in Spanish-speaking communities that take place nine consecutive days beginning on the 16th and ending on the 24th of December. 

In a traditional Posada, a procession of pilgrims follows two children posing as Mary and Joseph as they reenact the holy family’s cold and difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of shelter; in Spanish, the word means "lodging."

They are followed by other children portraying angels, the “Santos Reyes” (Three Kings), and a host of “pastores y pastoras” (shepherds and shepherdesses), all usually decked out in colorful handmade costumes. 




The holy family sings a traditional litany as it is rejected at several homes before finally being welcomed, and everyone joining in a big celebration! 

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