Los Posadas lasts from December 16th to the 24th and on each night during the celebration, neighborhood families choose a house which will host the Posada, which means inn or shelters in Spanish. The homes are decorated with a nativity scene and the home owners act as the innkeepers. The neighborhood children carry candles and sing simple choir songs while symbolically looking for an inn to stay in. Two of the children lead, carrying Los Peregrinos, which are small statues representing Mary and Joseph with the donkey. Musicians and the neighborhood follow the children.
The children ask three times if there is room in the inn and they are told there is not. Finally, the doors open and the "innkeepers" welcome the group into the house. Everyone prays by the nativity scene and then the fun begins.
For the children, there is a Piñata, filled with goodies such as oranges, sugar cane, and peanuts. They take turns singing chants while trying to break the Piñata. For the adults there is food, music, and games. Ponche con Piquete, a traditional hot drink made out of seasonal fruits and cinnamon, is served, sometimes with a shot of an alcoholic spirit.
The last Posada, on December 24th, is followed by a midnight mass.
The length of the event is nine days, symbolizing the nine months Mary carried the baby Jesus in her womb.
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By: Cara Gourley
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