Mexicans recreate journey of holy family with La Posada
by Diana De Leon, feature editor

    In the Hispanic society, Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and their struggle to find shelter is reenacted with a pilgrimage, called a posada.

   The Christmas tradition, which runs Dec. 16-24, originated in Mexico and combines indigenous and Christian rituals.

   In Mexico, posadas occur every night during this time, but in the United States, the procession is normally practiced only one night of the year, Dec. 24.

   Posada, which means lodging or shelter, is a celebration that combines both religious and social aspects of the holiday season.

   In many places in Mexico, the posada held on Dec. 24 is the most popular because it is followed by midnight Mass.

   In the United States the posada is arranged by individual churches and follows a predetermined route.

   A small child dressed as an angel leads the procession, and one couple portrays Mary and Joseph.

   Children dressed in silver and gold robes come next with adults and musicians following.

   All who are able carry candles to help light the way, and the participants sometimes sing as they walk.

   Many times animals are included in the procession. Donkeys and sheep are the most common.

   The procession continues to designated sites, usually homes where the group sings a song requesting shelter.

   Although verses to the song differ from area to area, they all carry the same theme. Those inside the home answer with a song saying there is no room.

   Eventually, the group reaches its final destination—the one place that welcomes the participants.

   Then all sing praises for the good news of the savior’s birth. The song concludes the religious part of the tradition.

   The social part of the tradition begins with dinner, music and a piñata for the children.

   Tamales and bunuelos, a fried thin tortilla topped with sugar, are favorite treats.

   The children receive hot ponche, a concoction made from fruits such as tejocote, guava, plum and orange sweetened with piloncillo (brown sugar), cinnamon sticks or vanilla.

   The same drink is made for the adults, but with the addition of rum or tequila.

   Another Christmas tradition, La Pastorela, is a play instead of a procession.

   The play recounts the journey of the three shepherds, hence the name La Pastorela (shepherds’ journey).

   The story includes the good part of the journey—a wise hermit and Saint Michael—as well as the bad part of the journey—the devil.

   San Mateo Church at the St. Patrick Mission in Fort Worth will sponsor a local posada at 7 p.m. nightly Dec. 17-24. The address is 2909 Photo Ave. The church welcomes visitors, and refreshments will be served afterward in the parish hall.