Las Posadas

Christmas tradition · Hispanic culture · December celebration · community

Nine nights of stories. Las Posadas is a novenario, which means it lasts for nine nights. Each night, people gather to remember Mary and Joseph searching for a place to stay before Jesus was born.

Celebrating together. The tradition happens between December 16 and December 24 each year. Families and neighbors visit different homes, singing special songs and asking for shelter, just like Mary and Joseph did long ago.

Keeping traditions alive. Hispanic Americans and people throughout Latin America celebrate Las Posadas with very few changes to the original tradition. It has stayed almost the same for hundreds of years because families care deeply about passing it down.

Moving from house to house. During Las Posadas, groups travel from home to home in their neighborhood. The people inside pretend they don't have room, until finally one family invites everyone in for food, music, and celebration.

Songs and carols. People sing traditional hymns called villancicos as they walk between houses. These beautiful songs tell the story of Mary and Joseph's journey and help everyone feel connected to the holiday.