Please join us for our Las Posadas event on Friday, December 18th beginning at 6:30 PM in the parking lot. Las Posadas is a tradition deeply established in Latin culture. It originated in Spain, but it’s been a yearly celebration throughout Mexico for over 400 years. The tradition commemorates Mary and Joseph’s difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a warm place to stay the
night. (Posadas is Spanish for “lodgings” or accommodations.”) Las Posadas last for nine days, beginning on December 16 and ending on December 24. Each night, one family agrees to house the pilgrims. At dusk, a procession of the faithful takes to the streets with children often dressed as angels and shepherds.
The group representing the Holy Family stands outside a series of houses, singing songs, asking for lodging. They are refused time and again until the group reaches the designated house. Finally, the travelers are permitted to enter. Prayer and song continue in the home, and festive foods are shared. The tradition continues each evening with a different house as the chosen Posadas. The last night—Christmas Eve—usually features a midnight Mass. Las Posadas deepens faith and strengthens ties within the community at a holy time.
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/las-posadas-a-mexican-christmas-tradition/