Las Posadas

Las Posadas is a traditional religious holiday lasting nine days, from December 16-December 24, Christmas Eve.  "Las Posadas" translated in Spanish comes from the word "The Inns."  The custom involves reenacting Joseph and Mary's troubles on their trip to Bethlehem to report for the Census.  Each house and family would pick a night to host for the posada celebration.  The host for the night represents the innkeeper, the children and adults represent Joseph and Mary.  The children and adults, then begin to approach the house from the outside, they will knock and seek lodging reciting the traditional song.  They will all be denied lodging two or three times, and then they will be let inside.  Once inside, everyone kneels around the nativity scene and recites the rosary.  After the prayer is over, there is lots of food and a party for the children.  Las Posadas festival is a Mexican and Central American holiday celebration that has strong cultural significance and a colorful history behind it.  If you ever get the chance to participate, don't pass it up!  The entire parish community is invited to attend.  Please see the bulletin for the addresses for each night.