.svg)
Mark your calendars for December 16, because it's time to celebrate Las Posadas – a beautiful Mexican tradition that brings people together in the spirit of community and faith. This holiday dates back to the 16th century and is a nine-day celebration leading up to Christmas, commemorating Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. It's a time filled with music, food, and colorful processions, as well as heartfelt prayers and reflections. So gather your loved ones and join in on this festive celebration of love and unity.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1586</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origin of Las Posadas</div><div class='timeline-text'>Las Posadas tradition was started by Friar Diego de Soria, who petitioned the Pope to hold Christmas Masses and celebrations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expansion Throughout Mexico</div><div class='timeline-text'>The celebration of Las Posadas spread throughout Mexico and became a major part of the holiday culture in Mexican communities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1900s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Introduction to the United States</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 20th century, the tradition of Las Posadas migrated to the United States with Mexican-American communities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Wider Adoption in the US</div><div class='timeline-text'>Throughout the 1980s, Las Posadas gained recognition across various states and began being celebrated in cities with a significant Latino presence.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Las Posadas</div><div class='timeline-text'>The early 21st century saw Las Posadas becoming a key representation of Mexican culture worldwide, noted for its music, food, and vibrant celebrations.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Las Posadas celebration</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local community or church that is hosting a Las Posadas celebration and attend! This is a great way to learn about the holiday, participate in traditional activities, and meet new people.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make traditional Las Posadas decorations</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make your own traditional Las Posadas decorations, such as piñatas, paper lanterns, or papel picado. This is a fun activity to do with friends and family and will add a festive touch to your home.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Cook and enjoy traditional Mexican dishes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Research and cook traditional Mexican dishes that are often served during Las Posadas, such as tamales, pozole, or atole. Invite friends and family over to enjoy the delicious food and learn more about the holiday's customs and traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a Las Posadas reenactment</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Some communities organize Las Posadas reenactments, where participants dress up as Mary and Joseph and go from house to house searching for shelter. If this is available in your area, consider participating for a unique and immersive experience.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a charity or volunteer your time</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In the spirit of giving and compassion, donate to a charity that supports those in need or volunteer your time at a local shelter or community organization. This is a great way to embrace the true meaning of Las Posadas and make a positive impact in your community.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates Mexican heritage and culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Las Posadas is a traditional Mexican holiday that has been celebrated for centuries. It is an important part of Mexican culture and serves as a way to honor their heritage and traditions. By participating in Las Posadas, we can learn more about the rich history and customs of Mexico.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes community and togetherness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Las Posadas is typically celebrated with family, friends, and neighbors coming together to reenact the journey of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter in Bethlehem. This holiday fosters a sense of community and unity among those who participate, promoting the importance of togetherness and support within a community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It teaches important lessons about kindness and hospitality</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Through the story of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, Las Posadas emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and hospitality towards others. It serves as a reminder to always welcome those in need and to treat others with compassion and generosity, especially during the holiday season.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Las Posadas spans across nine days to symbolize Mary and Joseph's journey</h3><p class='facts-content'>The holiday lasts from December 16 to 24, for a total of nine days, symbolizing Mary and Joseph's journey and the obstacles they overcame before reaching the Bethlehem manger where Jesus was born.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Piñatas are an integral part of Las Posadas</h3><p class='facts-content'>Traditionally, star-shaped piñatas are prominent fixtures in Las Posadas. These piñatas symbolize the guiding star from the biblical nativity story, they usually have seven points representing the seven deadly sins.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Las Posadas involves a traditional song exchange</h3><p class='facts-content'>During the procession, participants divided into pilgrims and innkeepers engage in a song exchange, with pilgrims asking for shelter and innkeepers initially refusing before finally granting them space.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The holiday ended as a tool of evangelization</h3><p class='facts-content'>Las Posadas began as a way for the colonial Spanish missionaries to teach the nativity story and inculcate Christian beliefs among the indigenous people of Mexico.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Las Posadas celebrations vary by region</h3><p class='facts-content'>While the base elements remain similar, Las Posadas celebrations differ by region in Mexico, with some areas adding unique traditions, dances, and foods that showcase regional culture.</p></div></div>
Las Posadas is celebrated on December 16 every year. In 2024 Las Posadas will occur on a Monday.
2023
Dec 16
Saturday
2024
Dec 16
Monday
2025
Dec 16
Tuesday
2026
Dec 16
Wednesday
2027
Dec 16
Thursday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
