By LORA ARCINIEGA
The tradition of Las Posadas has been occurring in New Mexico for many years. It’s a time of preparation and remembrance of the Christmas season. Originating in Spain, the tradition began in order to teach people about the Christmas story. The term “posadas” means lodging or an inn. Las posadas are traditionally held the nine days before Christmas, beginning December 16, until the final posada on Christmas Eve. The tradition is held at local Catholic churches or in people’s homes during the nine days before Christmas, which signifies the nine months Mary carried baby Jesus in her womb.
A knock at the door signals the start of the tradition, with celebrants carrying statues of Mary and Joseph as they traveled, seeking shelter. There are some members inside the building and some outside accompanying Mary and Joseph. Mary and Joseph continue to knock on the door of the church or the home and ask for posadas, or lodging, for the night. Each time Mary and Joseph ask for shelter the people inside the building respond saying there is no room for them. The conversation goes back and forth in song until finally Mary and Joseph are let into the building or allowed posadas. Then you hear the song “Vamos todos a Belén con amor y gozo, adoremos al Señor nuestro Redentor” which translates to “Let’s all go to Bethlehem with love and joy, we will worship the Lord our Redeemer.” A Catholic mass is followed by the procession and it’s not until the last night of the posadas, Christmas Eve, that baby Jesus is brought out and all the traditional Christmas songs are sung.
Whether the event is held at a local church or someone’s home, a traditional meal consisting of posole, red chile, tortillas, biscochitos, and something to drink is offered afterwards. If you attend posadas at your local church, the meal is usually held at the local parish center. When the tradition is held at someone’s home, the meaning is very special for that family and those attending. Sometimes families work together to host the event, which can bring up to 20 people. An altar is prepared in the home where the statues of Mary and Joseph are placed. Special blessings are offered for the hosting family by the priest who celebrates the mass.
There was a time when posadas were held each of the nine days before Christmas. Recently, only a few families from the area have opened up their homes for this tradition, but the celebration held at local Catholic churches remains strong.
This year you can find Las Posadas at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Questa on December 16 starting at 5 p.m., followed by a meal at the Questa Parish center. On December 20, you can find the traditional celebration at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Costilla at 5 p.m. followed by a meal at the Costilla Parish center.
