las posadas 1
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TRANSCRIPT
Christmas in Mexico
Come along and uncover
the Mexican Christmas
celebrations, and the
precious traditions of their
culture!
The Birth of Baby Jesus
• Las Posadas are a Mexican tradition carried out during the Christmas holidays by a group of people who get together to honor the birth of Jesus Christ.
• It represents the journey made by Joseph and the Virgin Mary when Jesus was born.
Journey to Belen (Bethlehem)
• Joseph was a descendent of David and born in Belen. They traveled there to be counted in the census ordained by the emperor Augustus.
• Since Mary was pregnant, they had to find shelter on their way to Belen.
• When they couldn’t find any, they had to settle for a barn that somebody offered them.
Las Posadas- A Celebration
• Las Posadas begins December 16 and lasts 9 days.
• There are many parties and candlelight parades to honor the birth of Jesus.
• Las Posadas (meaning lodge or inn) is a celebration where children in Mexico gather each afternoon to put on a play about Mary and Joseph’s travels to Bethlehem.
Las Posadas • Today Las Posadas begins with a parade led by
people that dress up as Joseph, Mary, angels and shepherds. They go door to door.
• The people carry candles and lanterns to light the way, since it begins after dark.
• They may carry poinsettias or holy images.
• Mary may even ride a real donkey!
Las Posadas • The leader carries a candle in a paper
lantern.
• At the door the children ask, “Posada?” which means, “Shelter?”
• Like Mary and Joseph, they are seeking a place to stay and are often told there is no more room.
Las Posadas
• Finally, the person who answers the door at the “inn” lets them in.
• Everyone enters to pray around the nativity scene and celebrate.
• They enjoy a special meal, dancing, and a
piñata.
Breaking the Piñata
• Breaking the Piñata symbolizes abundance for the whole year; may it bring happiness, food, and well being to those around us.
The Food
• Traditional food is served including tamales, champurro, Arroz con leche and Bunelos.
FELIZ NAVIDAD y PROSPERO ANO
NUEVO