Las Posadas is a traditional festival of Mexico which is held for nine nights starting from 16th December to the 24th of December. This festival represents Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem, prior to the Christ’s birth and also the difficulties they faced while finding lodging in the city. This long journey is remembered through the festive parties and the candlelight procession in Mexico.

In Spanish, Las Posadas means “the shelters” or “the inns”. It’s also a sophisticated preparation for Christmas (La Navidad) in Mexico as well as in some other American countries. From the beginning day of the Posadas, each evening is celebrated in full swing up to the last day. These nine days are actually known as Novenario, which means a religious observance for nine days that are based on the Maria carrying Jesus in her womb for nine months.

Each night a party is held in the traditional manner and outside the house, quest gather with kids dressed in angels, shepherds and even Mary, and Joseph. The procession is leaded by an angel, Mary and Joseph following her and then the guests as well as the adults are supposed to carry the lighted candles, paper lanterns and banners along with them. Various songs are sung by the pilgrims asking for shelter and after the hosts sing a reply for them, the doors are finally opened. Once the doors open, guests are offered with hot ponche, cookies, hot tamales and much more festive food. This grand food party with special foods and sweets is enjoyed by all the guests present there.

Along with the procession, music is also played by the musicians and everybody sings the Posadas of various types. The star-shaped piñatas are broken by the children to get candies and fruits hidden inside. There are even feasts Pinatas which are made out of clay in a traditional style. The festival of Las Posadas is an important festival of Mexico which is celebrated for nine nights and leading the Christmas celebration of Mexico.