The celebration of Las Posadas is observed for nine days in December. It begins on December 16 and ends December 24 each year. Although it originated in Spain, it has become very popular in Mexico, Guatemala, and more recently in the United States.
The name Las Posadas means The Inn in Spanish. This Spanish observance is a reenactment of Joseph and Mary's search for shelter before the baby Jesus was born.
Las Posadas begins with a procession of neighbors, friends, and family who visit each other's homes, reenacting Joseph and Mary's search for shelter. The procession goes from house to house until they reach the one where the night's festivities will be held. The group is then invited in for the party and the feast begins.
One of the more important parts of the night's festivities for children is the breaking of the pinata. The pinata is traditionally shaped like a star to represent the star that led the three wisemen that night. The pinata is filled with treats and toys. Each child is blindfolded and given a stick to try to break the pinata open. When the pinata is broken open, the children scramble to grab it's contents.
One of the more important parts of the night's festivities for children is the breaking of the pinata. The pinata is traditionally shaped like a star to represent the star that led the three wisemen that night. The pinata is filled with treats and toys. Each child is blindfolded and given a stick to try to break the pinata open. When the pinata is broken open, the children scramble to grab it's contents.
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