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Advent
Las Posadas (Mexico / Latin America)
Also called: Posadas, Posadas Navideñas
December 16 (fixed)
Catholic
For nine nights before Christmas, Mexican communities re-enact Mary and Joseph searching for a room in Bethlehem — singing call-and-response songs from house to house until someone lets them in. Piñatas, hot ponche, and tamales follow.
The tradition dates to colonial Mexico and blends Catholic story with local culture. Las Posadas is one of the warmest, most community-focused Christmas customs in the world.
Eden lists tours to Mexico and Latin America.
At a glance
- Type
- regional tradition
- Date type
- Fixed (same date every year)
- Regions
- Global, North America
- Themes
- Birth of Christ
- Liturgical colour
- White, Gold
Common questions
Las Posadas (Mexico is observed on December 16 (fixed). Moveable feasts shift each year; fixed feasts stay on the same calendar date.
A nine-night re-enactment of Mary and Joseph's search for lodging (posada) in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. Each night, participants split into two groups: pilgrims (singing the Litany of the Posadas asking for shelter) and innkeepers (refusing entry in song). The procession ends at a home or church where a manger scene (nacimiento) is set up. Piñatas (traditionally seven-pointed stars repr
It is associated with Catholic. It falls in the Advent season of the liturgical year.
