The word “posada” means “inn.” Posadas are generally held from December 16th-24th. Although posadas have become synonymous with parties, the roots are religious ones. They commemorate the journey to Bethlehem by Joseph and Mary. Back in the 16th century, Augustinian missionaries introduced these searches for shelter in order to teach the Nativity story and to replace other pagan rituals. In the end, the innkeeper lets the pilgrims in and there is a celebration.

I’ve lived in different places in Mexico and have seen different celebrations.

One of the most memorable was in San Ciro. There was a procession down the main street of this small town that included Mary riding on a donkey. The procession culminated at the Catholic church where children sang and danced before smashing open a pinata.

In Culiacan the school held a dinner party for the staff. The tradition of singing and looking for shelter before the birth of Jesus was a big part of the celebration. And of course we adults got to break open a pinata.

Here in Aguascalientes I’ve seen groups of people singing out on the streets going from door to door in search of shelter, just as Joseph and Mary did.

In Tlaquepaque I was invited to a house party the first year I was there. I need to clarify here that house parties rarely began before eleven at night and usually ended at around seven in the morning. That year I only lasted until five. In the years following I made sure I had a long siesta before the party.

The schools where I taught had posadas for the students. The pinatas were always the highlights. The seven points represent the seven deadly sins. When the pinatas are broken open, the candy that falls out represents the faith that good things follow when evil is conquered.

Aside from the candy that falls from the pinata, a celebration would not be complete without food. The traditional drink is ponche (a warm fruit punch often spiked with tequila.) Tamales ( filled corn husks) are the main course and bunuelos ( a fried pastry) are a typical dessert.

Oh oh! I have a new neighbor two doors down and she makes bunuelos!