Gran Posada Navideña

Las Posadas:
Christmas in Mexico is a religious holiday, honoring the ‘nativity’ or birth of the savior. As part of the Christmas celebration, traditional fiestas called Mexican posadas (inns) are held for family, friends, and neighbors. A posada is the reenactment of the Census pilgrimage to Bethlehem by Mary and Joseph (los peregrinos) in search of a room. Mexican families customarily hold a posada party in their homes.
During the reenactment, the posada hosts act as the inn keepers while their guests act as the pilgrims (los peregrinos). Holding lighted candles, each group takes turns singing verses to each other, for example:

(Pilgrims, outside)

“Mi nombre es José,
Mi esposa es María.
y madre va ser,
del Divino Verbo.”

“My name is Joseph,
My wife is Mary.
and mother to be
of the Divine Word.”

(Inn keepers, inside)
“Posada os brindo,
Santos Peregrinos,
y disculpa os pido,
no os reconocía.”

“The inn I give you,
pilgrim saints,
and offer an apology,
for not recognizing you.”

Then the inn keeper hosts open the door and welcome the pilgrims inside. May we always open the door of our hearts to the Holy Family as they are the best example for all Christians families to live by.