Christmas in Mexico

Come along and uncover

the Mexican Christmas

celebrations, and the

precious traditions of their

culture!

The Birth of Baby Jesus

• Las Posadas are a Mexican tradition carried out during the Christmas holidays by a group of people who get together to honor the birth of Jesus Christ.

• It represents the journey made by Joseph and the Virgin Mary when Jesus was born.

Journey to Belen (Bethlehem)

• Joseph was a descendent of David and born in Belen. They traveled there to be counted in the census ordained by the emperor Augustus.

• Since Mary was pregnant, they had to find shelter on their way to Belen.

• When they couldn’t find any, they had to settle for a barn that somebody offered them.

Las Posadas- A Celebration

• Las Posadas begins December 16 and lasts 9 days.

• There are many parties and candlelight parades to honor the birth of Jesus.

• Las Posadas (meaning lodge or inn) is a celebration where children in Mexico gather each afternoon to put on a play about Mary and Joseph’s travels to Bethlehem.

Las Posadas • Today Las Posadas begins with a parade led by

people that dress up as Joseph, Mary, angels and shepherds. They go door to door.

• The people carry candles and lanterns to light the way, since it begins after dark.

• They may carry poinsettias or holy images.

• Mary may even ride a real donkey!

Las Posadas • The leader carries a candle in a paper

lantern.

• At the door the children ask, “Posada?” which means, “Shelter?”

• Like Mary and Joseph, they are seeking a place to stay and are often told there is no more room.

Las Posadas

• Finally, the person who answers the door at the “inn” lets them in.

• Everyone enters to pray around the nativity scene and celebrate.

• They enjoy a special meal, dancing, and a

piñata.

Breaking the Piñata

• Breaking the Piñata symbolizes abundance for the whole year; may it bring happiness, food, and well being to those around us.

The Food

• Traditional food is served including tamales, champurro, Arroz con leche and Bunelos.

FELIZ NAVIDAD y PROSPERO ANO

NUEVO