Las Posadas, a religious and social event

 Throughout the Southwest and now in many locations across the country, Las Posadas is becoming a part of the U.S. holiday traditions. It begins on December 16.
 Las Posadas, Spanish for “The Inn,” is a traditional Mexican observance in which Joseph’s and Mary’s search for an inn is retraced. During the Christmas season, a procession gathers. It includes a symbolic Christ Child and those acting as Mary and Joseph.  Or images of Mary and Joseph are carried, along with the  traditional donkey on which they  made the journey to Bethlehem.

 Along the way, scriptures of the season are read. The group then stops at a previously selected home and asks if they may spend the night. Hispanic Christmas carols are sung and refreshments are offered by the hosts. Some homes include music, fireworks, food, and candy.
 The symbolic Christ Child remains at the hosts’ home until the next night when the procession stops for it before moving on to another home.    The procession is held for nine days, the time it is estimated that it took the Holy Family to make the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
 In some observances children portray angels and other members dress as the Santos Reyes or Three Kings. The procession itself is known as Santos Peregrinos and the walkers carry brightly decorated walking sticks known as baculos.
 It is an active and participatory way of preparing for the Nativity and carrying on a rich historic celebration.
 Two of the areas which have a long tradition of holding the event include Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Paralta, New Mexico and along Olvera Street in Los Angeles.