Every evening of Las Posadas begins with a procession hosted by different members of the community. Children, adults, neighbors, and relatives walk through the streets singing the traditional posada songs. Some carry candles; others hold small figurines of Mary and Joseph (the parents of Jesus).
At each house, the group reenacts the moment when Mary and Joseph ask for lodging. Singers outside the homes and singers inside take turns responding a beautiful call-and-response song. At many homes the groups are turned away to reenact how Mary and Joseph were turned away throughout their journey to deliver Jesus. The song finally ends when that night’s hosts finally welcome the singers inside their homes. Here is the song they sing below:
The group outside sings:
"En el nombre del cielo…"
(“In the name of heaven…”)
The group inside replies:
"Aquí no es mesón…"
(“This is not an inn…”)
Finally, the hosts welcome them:
"Entren santos peregrinos…"
(“Enter, holy pilgrims…”)
When the doors to the host’s home opens, the night transforms into a celebration. Joy replaces uncertainty. Community replaces journey. The message is simple and deeply human: everyone deserves a place to be welcomed and cared for.
~We hope that you are enjoying learning more about how Mexicans celebrate Las Posadas. Enjoy a 15% discount this Posada season with our coupon #Soldaderaposadas
