Las Posadas is a nine-night Christmas celebration that begins on December 16 and ends on December 24, Christmas Eve. Celebrated in Mexico, Guatemala and many Hispanic communities in the United States, it reenacts Mary and Joseph's search for shelter in Bethlehem. Each night, a procession goes from house to house singing and asking for lodging, until a host finally welcomes them in for prayer, food and a piñata.
History of Las Posadas (begins)
'Posada' means 'inn' or 'lodging' in Spanish. The tradition was introduced in Mexico in the 1500s by Spanish Catholic friars, who used processions, songs and reenactments to teach the Christmas story. It may have blended with Aztec celebrations that took place around the same time of year.
Each night of Las Posadas, participants, often led by children dressed as Mary and Joseph or carrying their images, walk to a home and sing a traditional song asking for shelter. The people inside respond in song, refusing at first, before finally opening the door. The nine nights are often said to represent the nine months of Mary's pregnancy.
After the procession, the hosts serve tamales, buñuelos, ponche (a hot fruit punch) and atole, and children break a piñata. The traditional star-shaped piñata has seven points, sometimes said to represent the seven deadly sins. In the U.S., cities such as San Antonio and Los Angeles host large public Las Posadas celebrations.
Why Las Posadas (begins) Matters
Las Posadas brings neighbors and families together and emphasizes hospitality, welcoming strangers and community.
It is an important part of Mexican and Mexican American cultural and religious heritage.
The celebration also teaches the Christmas story through music, theater and shared meals, making it meaningful for children and adults alike.
How to Celebrate Las Posadas (begins)
- Join a procession: attend a church or community Las Posadas.
- Host a night: welcome pilgrims with food and song.
- Make tamales: prepare them with family and friends.
- Make ponche: brew a hot fruit punch with cinnamon and guavas.
- Break a piñata: make or buy a star-shaped piñata.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, share the meaning of Las Posadas and consider a team lunch with tamales from a local business. In classrooms, students can learn the traditional songs, make piñatas or farolitos (paper lanterns), and compare holiday traditions across cultures. At home, families can host a posada night with neighbors, cook tamales together or attend a community celebration. Be respectful of the event's religious meaning when attending as a guest.
Fun Facts About Las Posadas (begins)
- Las Posadas lasts nine nights, December 16–24.
- 'Posada' means 'inn' or 'lodging' in Spanish.
- Traditional piñatas have seven points.
Las Posadas (begins) FAQs
When is Las Posadas?
Las Posadas runs for nine nights, from December 16 to December 24.
What does Las Posadas mean?
'Las Posadas' means 'the inns' or 'the lodgings' in Spanish.
What does Las Posadas celebrate?
It reenacts Mary and Joseph's search for shelter in Bethlehem before Jesus' birth.
Why does Las Posadas last nine nights?
The nine nights are often said to represent the nine months of Mary's pregnancy.
What foods are served at Las Posadas?
Tamales, buñuelos, ponche, atole and other traditional treats.
Where is Las Posadas celebrated in the U.S.?
Many Hispanic communities celebrate it, with large events in cities like San Antonio and Los Angeles.