For
Kids
Las Posadas is
both a Christmas tradition
and a Remembrance
celebration
This special Christmas tradition begins on
December 16th. The word "posadas" mean "inn" or
"lodging". This festival celebrates the story of Joseph and Mary
searching for an inn where Mary could give birth.
To celebrate this festival, people go door
to door, knocking on doors, pretending to search for a place where Joseph
and Mary can stay. They carry lanterns and sing songs, somewhat like
caroling. They also carry an entire, and typically large, nativity scene.
When they reach the spot where the nativity
scene will "spend the night" (by prearrangement), they have a
big feast. They do this for nine nights. The route is carefully planned
out.
This holiday is a wonderful reminder of the spirit of Christmas. It
is also a very fun Christmas tradition.