A wonderful Mexican Christmas tradition, las posadas literally translates in English as “the inns” or “the lodgings” and symbolizes
the Biblical journey of Mary and Joseph as they searched for shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus.
- PIÑATAS
The nine-day celebration lasts from December 16 to Christmas Eve (Noche Buena or “Holy Night”) and includes a candle-lit procession of children and parents reenacting Mary and Joseph’s journey through Bethlehem.
The holiday ritual includes a lively and colorful pageant of kids (the “pilgrims” or peregrinos) – costumed as Joseph, Mary, angels, shepherds and the Three Wise Men – who travel from house to house until they reach a designated home where Las Posadas will be celebrated that year.
Upon arrival, the hosts or “innkeepers” meet the procession at the door to begin the holiday fiesta with an exchange of lyrics from the traditional Pidiendo Posada:
| Outside Singers
In the name of heaven, |
Inside Singers
This is no inn, |
The song goes on for several stanzas until Joseph and Mary are
finally recognized and allowed inside with everyone singing in unison:
| Let us sing with joy, all bearing in mind that Jesus, Joseph and Mary honor us by having come. |
Soon, everyone begins celebrating with traditional songs & prayers – just before an explosion of merrymaking that includes Christmas party music, piñata bashing, sweet treats and fireworks!
On Christmas eve, I remember Las Posados culminates in all-out feasting at the Cena de Noche Buena when families gather for a traditional MEAT based meal of romeritos (baked shrimp with rosemary), bacalao (dried cod fish), roast turkey, Christmas salad, and mounds of sweet and sugary buñuelos.
Especially in northern Mexico – and in Mexican communities in Texas, New Mexico,California and Arizona – the festivities may include a Christmas tree, lots of presents, or even a visit by Santa. However, Three Kings Day or Epiphany on January 6 remains a traditional day for gift exchanges in Central and Southern Mexico and throughout Latin America.
Las Posadas Around the World
In the Philippines, the posadas tradition begins on December 15 with a Misa de Gallo (midnight mass) every night for nine consecutive nights prior to Christmas eve.
Noche Buenas
Similarly, Puerto Rican Christmas celebrations usually begin December 10 – and last until the Epiphany (Día de los Reyes Magos) on January 6 – with impromptu Parranda (parties) hosted at different locations each night for generous helpings of Christmas coquito (a delicious variation of egg nog) and festive platters of pasteles (savory meat pastries).
In Nicaragua, La Gritería (The Shoutings), occurs on December 7 when friends and family parade in the streets to sing in praise of the Virgin Mary before visiting neighbors to share festive food, drink and gift exchanges.
Las Posadas on the Web
Around the Web, find out more about celebrating Las Posadas with lively descriptions of annual family customs complete with recipes & instructions for homemade holiday feasting .
I am so happy that I can feel that my Latino traditions will not go away as a VEGAN . I’ve started NEW compassionate Latin Traditions in Christmas & New Year. Let me share with you some of my favorites
Christmas Menu for Appetizers & Hors d’oeuvres
Get ready for some amazing Latin Fusion Recipes to “make” you get into the HOLIDAY mood! Watch the Lean, Green & Sexy Cooking Show on Wednesday for special holiday recipes in the Mexican Vegan (new) tradition!
Posadas a Mexican Tradition
Posadas a Mexican Tradition
My Traditional Veganised Latin Fusion “Posadas” Food
Of Special Note…
Mexican children delight in the game where the “Pinata,” a pottery or paper container, many times shaped like a bull or donkey, is filled with candy and suspended from the ceiling on a rope. Each child is blindfolded and attempts to break the Pinata with a stick or bat. The child who succeeds is the hero of the festival and the candy is shared by all.
FREE VEGAN RECIPES ON THE NEXT LEAN, GREEN & SEXY SHOW
Champurrado (Chocolate Atole)
- Traditional Tool
Arroz Dulce (Rice Sweet)
Chef Mayra Arroz Dulce
Chef Mayra Arroz Dulce
Ahhh, the wonderful smell of Latin Christmas foods… Keep reading to find dishes, main appetizers, and desserts we use to celebrate not only “Nochebuena” but also throughout the Christmas season including the Epiphany on January 6 in Hispanic North America and Central America.
Let’s remember: Latin Christmas foods have many ingredients and customs as countries are involved. Countries that are physically close to each other have similar customs in terms of foods.
The countries I am covering here are Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.
From Mexico to Panama tamales are a “must have” food and are very common throughout the entire holiday. We make tamales of corn meal dough with or without a filling and steam-cook them to perfection. To steam them we wrap it in a leaf of the corn or in plantain leaves, depending on the customs of each country.
Chef Mayra Tofu Al Mojo
Image will be posted soon
Chef Mayra Yucca (cassava)With Garlic Mojo
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YUCCA ROOT
Feliz Navidad Y Prospero Ano Nuevo
May the miracle of Christmas fill your heart with warmth and love.
Christmas is the time of giving and sharing.
It is the time of loving and forgiving.
Merry Christmas to Everyone!
Vegan Chef Mayra and Team 2010
Happy Vegan Christmas
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- Chef Mayra Yucca (Cassava) with Garlic Mojo
- Exclusive! TV Host challenged with Orgasmic Brownie cake on the set in Las Vegas.
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