Overview
- The nine-night tradition runs December 16–24, reenacting Joseph and Mary's search for lodging through nightly gatherings that mark the start of Mexico's Christmas season.
- Posadas center on a call-and-response letanía at the door between pilgrims outside and hosts inside, culminating in entry, brief prayers, villancicos, a piñata and a communal fiesta.
- The classic seven-point star piñata symbolizes the seven deadly sins, with the blindfold representing faith, the stick God's strength and the sweets divine grace.
- Hosts typically serve ponche, seasonal fruit and colación, share aguinaldos and offer regional antojitos, while nativity scenes are set on December 16 and the baby Jesus is placed on December 24.
- Guides note widespread adaptations in U.S. diaspora communities, where churches, community centers and apartments host bilingual song sheets and simplified setups to keep the tradition alive.