Sure I’m an insular, provincial Christian-based American. But how did I make it almost 40 years without hearing about Los Posadas? Tell me about it. How popular is it really, and where?
It’s a play/procession commemorating Joseph and Mary’s search for an inn in the Christmas story that takes from December 16-24. As far as I know, it’s exclusively Mexican.
From what I have always heard, the parade/pageant/play of Las Posadas was developed by the Spaniards in Mexico to teach the natives the Jesus story. From what I have been told, it has been performed in San Antonio Texas for hundreds of years.
I used to take my kid to the big one on the Riverwalk when she was younger. The trees on the Riverwalk would be lit up with Christmas lights and there would be luminarias (white bags with sand and a lit candle inside) lining the river. You would meet at a central place where they would give you a lit candle. There was usually a couple of hundred people there. Kids dressed up as Mary and Joseph would lead the procession and go to 3 hotels or restaurants and ask for a place to stay. At the front of the procession they would be singing songs in Spanish. Finally, they would find a place to stay at this outdoor stage on the river. Then you would walk up these stairs to this outdoor square where there would be food and a party. It is a beautiful thing. There would also be pageants at some of the larger churches. I have heard of Las Posodas being performed in other South Texas cities.
Closely related is the play called Los Pastores. This one is done after Christmas outdoors on the grounds at the Mission San Jose at night if I recall correctly. In this one, the Devil tries to stop a group of shepards from going to see Jesus. This angel shows up and beats down the devil. Everyone is gathered around watching. Apparently it is OK to yell crap at the devil when he shows up. Afterwards, you have a little party.
San Antonio is a very nice city to visit at Christmas time.