Mexican Posadas

Originally the posadas began in the Augustinian churches in colonial times, in order to evangelize the natives. These are done in December and end on the 24th.

In a traditional Mexican posada we depict Mary and Joseph into the pilgrimage, when finally they are received, the Birth and the feast is prepared. The hosts representing hoteliers and guests at the inn represent the “pilgrims” who ask for shelter with a song.

Once inside the house or yard where the posada is celebrated the festival begins, where the piñata is broken , which is made by hand in clay and Chinese paper, which should have the form of a star with seven peaks, these represent the seven deadly sins in the Catholic religion. It should break with a stick that represents the strength and power of God, and when is broken the sweets fall, called snacks (candy hard made of sugar, painted in white, pink or pale blue and sometimes the piñatas are stuffed with peanut or candied orange peel) and fruits such as tangerines, tejocote (a local fruit), peanuts and lime. These are rewards and gifts to overcome sin.

While the piñata is breaking, hosts give mud jarritos, full of delicious punch made from fruit such as apples, prunes, tejocote, sugarcane, guava, orange, lemon, red wine, tea, water and sugar; and adults add a splash of brandy, rum or tequila. With fruits and snacks from the piñata on a bag, so that they can carry, the dinner starts usually consists in tamales, atole, chocolate, buñuelos seasoned either with sugar and powder cinnamon or honey brown sugar with cinnamon stick.

All this accompanied by mariachi music, either live or recorded, and of course, by the usual fireworks, you hear a thunder by all towns and cities in those nights of December.