Posadas are a Mexican Christmas tradition that takes place from December 16 to 24th. Every night in neighborhoods across the country processions take place leading to a particular home (a different one each night). They process with candles and often with an image of the Virgin Mary. When they reach the door of the home they sing a special Posada song in which those outside sing the part of Joseph asking for shelter and the family inside responds singing the part of the innkeeper saying that there is no room. The song switches back and forth a few times until finally the innkeeper decides to let them in. The door is opened and everyone goes inside.
Inside the house there is a celebration which can vary from a very big fancy party to a small get-together among friends. Often the festivities begin with a short Bible reading and prayer. Then the hosts give the guests food, usually tamales and a hot drink - like ponche or atole. Then there are piñatas and the children are given candy.
The word posada means shelter and the nine nights of posadas leading up to Christmas are said to represent the nine months that Jesus spent in Mary's womb, or alternatively, to represent nine days journey to Bethlehem.
