What holiday is on December 16 in Mexico?
Las Posadas
Las Posadas, (Spanish: “The Inns”) religious festival celebrated in Mexico and some parts of the United States between December 16 and 24. Las Posadas commemorates the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to the baby Jesus.
How is posadas celebrated today?
Adults, including musicians, follow the procession, which visits selected homes and asks for lodging for Joseph and Mary. Traditionally, the procession is always refused lodging, though the hosts often provide refreshments. At each stop, passages of scripture are read and Christmas carols are sung.
How did Las Posadas get its name?
The word posada means inn or lodging, and traditionally posadas are a celebration of the Christmas story. They take place on nine nights from December 16 to 24 and commemorate the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph’s search for a place to stay where Jesus could be born.
What is La Noche Buena?
Nochebuena is a noun that means Christmas Eve (literally, ‘good night’) and you can find out how to pronounce it here: Nos reunimos en Nochebuena. We get together on Christmas Eve. la cena de Nochebuena Christmas Eve dinner.
Why is Mexican Christmas important?
When Catholicism arrived in Mexico through colonialism during the sixteenth century, Spanish priests brought with them many Christian holidays, including Christmas. Over the centuries, these traditions influenced the indigenous culture, creating a Christmas experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
How is Christmas celebrated in Mexico?
It’s a full month of celebrations, marked with family feasts and lots of piñatas. Starting on 12 December and lasting until 6 January, Christmas celebrations in Mexico have their own flair. There are candle-lit processions, elaborate nativity scenes, Spanish Christmas carols, dancing and fireworks.
What food do they eat on Las Posadas?
tamales
After the piñata comes dinner: traditional posada fare is tamales, buñuelos, atole and café de olla. The tamales are made with corn dough, softened with lard and beaten until the dough reaches ‘water stage’: a small ball of dough should float when put in a glass of water; if it sinks, it needs to be beaten more.
How do Mexicans celebrate Noche Buena?
Nochebuena, directly translated as the “good night”, means Christmas Eve in Spanish. On this day, many families will attend midnight mass together, followed by a family dinner.
What are 5 Christmas traditions in Mexico?
There are candle-lit processions, elaborate nativity scenes, Spanish Christmas carols, dancing and fireworks. While traditions like Christmas trees and Santa Claus have found a place in Mexican festivities, the holiday celebrations are firmly rooted in Spanish and indigenous culture.