Posadas

The practice of posadas began as an effort of Spaniards to eliminate the costumes of native Mexicans to worship their pagan gods and to substitute their traditions with the observance of traditional catholic celebrations. At the winter solstice, with the mass, there were representations of the nativity of Jesus on earth. Merriment will continue with fireworks, piñatas and carol singing. These celebrations grew stronger outside the church, in neighborhoods, with the substitution of religious songs with popular ones.

Nowadays, between December 12^th and 24^th, families and friends gather to honor this tradition. Among the multiple ways to celebrate a posada, one of the most representative ones is the custom of asking for shelter while singing a traditional carol. It begins with a procession of a group of people carrying the figures of Joseph and Mary. They are singing and asking to be allowed to spend the night in that house. On the other side, a group of people who represent an angry owner of the house is singing to be left in peace, asking them to leave. When the owner finds out that who is asking are Joseph and Mary, he happily changes his mood and lets them in singing carols of joy and faith. Afterwards, they proceed to break a piñata in the shape of a star with seven points (one for each original sin) and to celebrate with music such blissful time.