There are many ways to Celebrate the Christmas season. One of the most meaningful, known as Las Posadas ( the inns), takes place in Mexico and some parts of the Southwestern U.S. Beginning December 16, it celebrates the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
In a community, families will arrange to host each night of the Posada. Often the streets will be lined with “luminarias,” small candles placed in paper bags for a beautiful effect. After dark a procession begins led by two children. They carry a small pine platform with replicas of Joseph and Mary riding a donkey. Other members of the company follow, carrying long slender candles and singing .
As they approach the door of the first house they chant a traditional song and awaken the master of the house to ask lodging for Mary. Those within the house threaten them with beatings unless they move on. Again the company pleads for admittance. When the owner of the house finally learns who his guests are, he welcomes them in. They kneel around a manger scene, where they offer songs and a prayer.
After that they celebrate with refreshments, dancing and a piñata—a decorated pot filled with candies, which the children try to break with a stick.
On Christmas Eve, small children dressed as shepherds stand on either side of the nativity scene while members of the company kneel and sing a cradle song. At midnight the birth of Christ is announced with fireworks, ringing bells and blowing whistles. Worshippers attend a special mass, then return home to a tremendous dinner of traditional Mexican foods.
Here is a translated and shortened version of the song that is sung on the nights of “La Posadas”. It’s even more beautiful in Spanish.
La Fiesta de la Posada, when we light luminaries, and we swing at la piñata. La Fiesta de la Posada. Come follow me. Come follow me.
(Solo) Do you have any room at this inn? (All) No, no, so sorry, no. (Solo) Just a room you will let us sleep in? (All) No, No, so sorry, no. Now you must go.
(Solo) Do you have space to let us lie down? (All) No, no, so sorry, no. (Solo) Do you know of a place in this town? (All) No, No, so sorry, no. Now you must go.
(Solo) Do you have any place we can stay? (All) Well, yes, the stable next. (Solo) Do you mean we can rest in the hay? (All) Well, yes. It’s not the best, but be my guest.
Does your family have a special way of celebrating the holidays? Whatever your plans , I wish you peace and joy at this special time.