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!
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!
