Las+Posados

L as Posados

Los Posadosis a cherished tradition of Mexican culture. This Holiday is celebrated on December 16 & ends December 24 and on January 6 remains a traditional day for gift exchanges. It includes a candle-lit procession of children and parents reenacting Mary and Joseph's journey through Bethlehem. Here are some places where they celebrate it ,Northern Mexico, in Mexican communities in Texas, New Mexico, California,and Arizona. The holiday includes a lively and colorful pageant of kids 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. Soon as everyone begins celebrating with traditional songs & prayers, just before an explosion of merrymaking that includes Christmas party music, piñata bashing, sweet treats and fireworks! There traditional colors on Los Posados are mainly red, white, and green.

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Legend Of the Poinsetta

Little Maria did not have a gift for the Baby Jesus. All she could find was a handful of weeds...but, because she gave from her heart, the weeds turned into beautiful red flowers. This is the story of the Poinsettia, the Christmas plant.

Light

On Los posados There is Nine consecutive day of candle lighting based on the 6 months when Maria carried Jesus in her womb.

Pinata The pinata is an imporatant and popular game played on las posados. The first Sunday became Pinata Sunday. The Celebration ends with the breaking of the pinata. To direct the person to where to hit it they say "Mas arriba"- more upwards. "Abajo"- Lower. "Enfrente"-in front.

Food Hot Apple Cider Natchos
 * 1 1/2 quarts apple cider
 * 1 Whole cinnamonstick(about 3 inches)
 * 3 whole cloves
 * 3 allspice berries
 * 10 pieces of orangepeel, cut into 1 by 2inch strip
 * 10 orange slices
 * 1 bag of tostitos chips
 * a can of fresh salsa

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