What is the Origin of the Posadas? Mexican Christmas Tradition

Las posadas are emblematic festivities celebrated for the nine days leading up to Christmas, from December 16 to December 24. They have been celebrated since colonial times, and their origin is religious in nature.

From Aztec Ritual to Catholic Festivity

The posadas arrived with the Spanish conquest, replacing earlier Aztec traditions. The Aztecs celebrated, during the month of Panquetzaliztli (December), the arrival of their god Huitzilopochtli, the god of war. Those festivities began on the sixth day and lasted 20 days.

On the night of December 24 and throughout the 25th, celebrations took place in every house, where food was offered to guests and paste statues known as "Tzoatl" — representing Huitzilopochtli — were shared.

The Misas del Aguinaldo

With the arrival of the Spaniards, the "misas del aguinaldo" were established and celebrated from December 16 to 24. The religious figures in charge of evangelizing the people replaced the cult of the god of war with this Catholic practice.

These celebrations were held in churches and convents, often in the open air. Bible passages were read, scenes alluding to Christmas were performed, and small gifts known as aguinaldos were given to attendees.

From the Temple to the Streets

Over the years, people themselves added elements such as candles, sparklers, and piñatas, eventually adopting the festivity in their homes and neighborhoods. The Church allowed this transition so the activities would have a greater impact among the population.

From that transition came the name "posada," which has been transformed depending on the culture of each zone or region of Mexico.

How a Posada Is Performed

Once guests have gathered, the celebration recreates the request for lodging made by the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph during their pilgrimage from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The guests split into two groups: one of them leaves the house accompanied by figures representing Mary and Joseph, and sings the following litany.

In the name of heaven, I ask you for lodging, for she cannot walk, my beloved bride.

The other group remains inside the house and refuses passage at first, forcing the pilgrims to continue asking for shelter around three more times with the following verse:

This is not an inn, go ahead, I cannot open the door, lest I be a fool.

To close this part of the tradition, the pilgrims are finally granted shelter with this litany:

Come in, holy pilgrims, receive this corner, for although the dwelling is poor, I give it to you with all my heart.

The Piñata: Symbol of Faith Over Sin

Once the posada is granted, the gathering among the guests begins. It reaches its maximum splendor at the moment of breaking the piñata. The piñata symbolizes the triumph of faith over sin and must have seven peaks, representing the seven deadly sins.

In Summary

The posadas are a living example of how Mexican culture weaves together pre-Hispanic ritual, Catholic theatre, and community celebration. Nine nights of singing, prayer, food, and piñatas turn into one of the country's most beloved Christmas traditions.