Las Posadas is a novena typically celebrated each year between December 15 and December 23. Las Posadas derives from the Spanish word posada (lodging, or accommodation) which, in this case, refers to the inn from the Nativity story. This celebration has been a Mexican tradition for over 400 years. Two people dress up as Mary and Joseph and certain houses are designated to be “inns”. The actors travel to one house each night for nine nights, accompanied by a procession of musicians and attendants singing traditional songs. At each house, the resident responds by singing a song and the pair are recognized and allowed to enter. The group of guests come into the home and kneel around the Nativity scene to pray. At the end of each night, there may be food, games or a piñata.
