Las Posada

December 16 is the official Hispanic countdown to Christmas. Posadas Navidenas will be celebrated in Mexico, Guatemala and in part of the United States. Special dishes, merry carols and the story of the nativity will be featured at this neighborhood festival. The celebration has occurred each year for the past 400 years. The celebration continues ending on December 24th. Each night of the festival will feature a small candle lit procession that will travel through the neighborhood. Members of the procession are dressed as Mary, Joseph, angels and shepherds.

Posada is spanish for "lodging" and recalls the difficulty Mary and Joseph had along the journey. The events along the way are portrayed by the procession of actors as they stop at houses along the way looking for somewhere to stay. The homeowners all know to play along and turn the young couple away. Finally, a homeowner is found that welcomes the couple in.

Following the story telling that portrays the real life version of what happened on the event of Jesus birth the party continues. Prayers, tamales and drink are served Pinatas filled with dried fruits, sugar sticks, candies and nuts are hanged and hit by the children. Christmas carols are sung by all.

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