Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration in Mexico from December 16-24th that reenacts Mary and Joseph's journey to find lodging in Bethlehem. People in neighborhoods hold nightly processions seeking shelter, ending with food and festivities. On January 6th, Dia de los Reyes or Three Kings' Day, children receive gifts remembering the Biblical Magi, and families add the Wise Men figurines to their Nativity scenes. The Christmas season concludes on February 2nd with Candle Mass.

1. Christmas in Mexico Las Posadas- Looking for the Inn… Dia de los Reyes- Day of the Kings

2. It’s celebrated every Christmas season by Mexican families. They recreate the journey of Mary and Joseph on their trek to Bethlehem. What about it?

3. This tradition began around 1554 near Tenochtitlan. A priest was given permission from the Pope to celebrate nine Misas de Aguinaldo, midnight masses / gift masses. These masses are to mark the 9 days it took Mary and Joseph to find lodging, posada. History…

4. Las misas begin the night of December 16th and continue until the 24th, la Nochebuena. These masses are celebrated outside each night. When does this start?

5. Today this begins with a procession led by people that dress up as Joseph and Mary and go door to door. They are followed by “angels” and “shepherds.” The people carry candles and lanterns to light the way, since this begins are dark. After stopping at several houses, they are invited in to rest, enjoy a special meal, a piñata, and dancing. Las Posadas today

6. A very important tradition in Mexico, and other Latin American countries is having a Natividad, nativity scene, out on display. They make a special space in their home for this. The figures can be any size, and sometimes may even take over the entire room. Collecting figures for the Natividad is never complete. They always add more pieces to this over the years. Nacimiento

7. When the Natividad is set up on December 16th, los Reyes Magos– the three wisemen, are placed far away and the baby’s crib is empty. After the Misa del Gallo, crows mass/ midnight mass, the baby is placed in the el pesebre, the manger. Los Reyes Magos

8. The three kings move closer to the baby each day after la Nochebuena. Finally on January 6th, the “Day of the Kings,” they arrive at el pesebre. On January 6th, children receive gifts from los Reyes Magos. For some, the Christmas season ends after January 6thand the arrival of the kings... Los Reyes Magos

9. Families usually begin to celebrate this a few days before the “arrival” of the kings. The children write letters to their favorite king asking for presents they would like to receive. These letters are usually put inside of a balloon and are released into the sky with all of their wishes inside! Day of the Kings

10. On the eve of this festive day, the wise men are added to the Natividad. Before going to bed, children place their old shoes under their bed, in the living room, or even outside for los Reyes to leave them presents. They also might even leave a bucket of water and some hay outside to feed the animals of the Kings. January 5th…

11. The Spaniards continue to celebrate by having large meal together. They make the traditional Rosca de los Reyes, an oval sweetbread that’s decorated with candied fruit. Hidden inside of the rosca is a plastic figurine of baby Jesus. It’s hidden to symbolize a secure place where he could be born and not found. They also serve tamales and hot chocolate. La Merienda de los Reyes

12. The rosca is cut slice by slice, by a different person. The knife they use is supposed to represent the danger the baby was in. Each person secretly hopes that they do not find the figurine in their slice. Whoever does, will host the Candeleria/ Candle mass day on February 2nd, and must invite everyone at the party they are at. For the rest of the people, Christmas season ends February 2nd. La Rosca…

13. Christmas season finally ends after February 2nd and celebrating the Candeleria. To bring Christmas to an end, the Nativity is finally packed away. The angel is placed on top of the box to protect the figures until the next year! The end of Christmas season…