1. Christmas in Mexico
Come along and uncover
the Mexican Christmas
celebrations, and the
precious traditions of their
culture!
2. The Birth of Baby Jesus
• Las Posadas are a Mexican
tradition carried out
during the Christmas
holidays by a group of
people who get together
to honor the birth of
Jesus Christ.
• It represents the journey
made by Joseph and the
Virgin Mary when Jesus
was born.
3. Journey to Belen (Bethlehem)
• Joseph was a descendent
of David and born in
Belen. They traveled there
to be counted in the
census ordained by the
emperor Augustus.
• Since Mary was pregnant,
they had to find shelter on
their way to Belen.
• When they couldn’t find
any, they had to settle for
a barn that somebody
offered them.
4. Las Posadas- A Celebration
• Las Posadas begins
December 16 and lasts 9
days.
• There are many parties and
candlelight parades to
honor the birth of Jesus.
• Las Posadas (meaning lodge
or inn) is a celebration
where children in Mexico
gather each afternoon to
put on a play about Mary
and Joseph’s travels to
Bethlehem.
5.
6. Las Posadas
• Today Las Posadas begins with a parade led by
people that dress up as Joseph, Mary, angels and
shepherds. They go door to door.
• The people carry candles and lanterns to light the
way, since it begins after dark.
• They may carry poinsettias or holy images.
• Mary may even ride a real donkey!
7. Las Posadas
• The leader carries a candle in a paper
lantern.
• At the door the children ask, “Posada?”
which means, “Shelter?”
• Like Mary and Joseph, they are seeking a
place to stay and are often told there is no
more room.
8. Las Posadas
• Finally, the person who answers the door at
the “inn” lets them in.
• Everyone enters to pray around the
nativity scene and celebrate.
• They enjoy a special meal, dancing, and a
piñata.
9. Breaking the Piñata
• Breaking the Piñata symbolizes abundance for
the whole year; may it bring happiness, food,
and well being to those around us.
10. The Food
• Traditional food is
served including
tamales, champurro,
Arroz con leche and
Bunelos.
