For many children in Mexico and other Latin American countries, celebrating Las Posadas is a large part of their Navidad (Christmas) traditions. As it gets closer to Navidad, many families in cities, towns, and ranches host these small parties for everyone in the community to attend. As a child of immigrant parents, for me this was a much-anticipated celebration during our travels to Mexico. It was a special time to spend with our family who we only saw once a year.
What is Las Posadas?
Las Posadas is a celebration and re-enactment from the Biblical story of Mary and Joseph searching for a safe shelter in the town of Bethlehem where Mary could give birth to the baby Jesus. Posada means “inn” or “shelter” in Spanish. Posadas parties are typically celebrated for nine days from December 16–24. During a posada celebration, groups of people travel together in a procession (sometimes in costume) from house to house looking for a place to stay. People will sing songs asking for shelter until one house invites them in. Participants are warmly greeted with holiday music and traditional foods such as tamales, warm beverages, and sweet pastries.
The highlight of Las Posadas is the breaking of the piñata. A piñata is a brightly decorated paper-mache figure. Las Posadas piñatas are usually in the shape of a star to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem that guided the three wise men to see the baby Jesus. Piñatas are typically full of candy, peanuts, or other small treats. In our family, sometimes piñatas were filled with flour and confetti, so it was always a guessing game as we took turns hitting the piñata. While children break the piñata, all the people in attendance sing religious Navidad carols. At the end of the night, if you are lucky, you might find yourself taking home candy and an aguinaldo (goodie bag) filled with peanuts, oranges, sugar cane, and animal cookies.
Las Posadas Book
With this Las Posadas writing and drawing activity, children can make a book to show why and how they celebrate Las Posadas with their families.
Get the free Evan-Moor activity here.
Traditional Posadas Songs for Children
These audio recordings help children learn traditional Las Posadas songs:
- Listen to audio recordings of traditional Las Posadas music here.
- Learn the words to “Pidiendo Posada” here.
In recent years, Las Posadas traditions have seen a resurgence by immigrant communities in the United States. Look around in your community or create your own posada tradition and invite your family and friends. Feliz Posadas y Navidad!
For more holiday ideas and free activities read about Celebrating Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos)
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Laura Guzman has worked in the educational sector for 17 years starting in educational technology as a graphic, print, social media, and UX designer. She is a mother to a son and whenever possible volunteers at her son’s school. She also enjoys long-distance running and being outdoors as much as possible. She is currently working for Evan-Moor’s marketing and communications team as a desktop publisher designing Evan-Moor’s customer facing communications.