Las Posadas is one of the best-loved Christmas traditions of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, and of Latino communities in the United States. For nine nights, from December 16 to 24, neighbors and families recall the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem and their search for a place where Jesus could be born. The word posada means "inn" or "lodging." Here you will find prayers for Las Posadas: the opening prayer, the meditation and virtue for each night, the closing prayer, and how to organize a posada at home or in your parish.
What are Las Posadas?
The nine nights recall the nine months Mary carried Jesus in her womb. According to tradition, Las Posadas began in 1587 at the Augustinian monastery of San Agustín Acolman, near Teotihuacán, when the friars received permission to celebrate the "misas de aguinaldo" on these dates. Over time, the celebration moved out of the churches and into neighborhoods and homes.
Each posada follows more or less the same pattern:
- The procession. The pilgrims walk with candles behind images of Mary and Joseph, sometimes with Mary on a little donkey, praying the rosary or singing the litany.
- Asking for lodging. When they reach the house, the group divides: those outside sing on behalf of Joseph, asking for shelter, and those inside answer by refusing, until they recognize the holy pilgrims and open the door.
- The prayer. Once inside, everyone prays the prayer of the night before the nativity scene and reflects on the virtue of the day.
- The fiesta. The piñata is broken, aguinaldos (little bags of candy and fruit) are handed out, and everyone shares ponche, tamales, or buñuelos.
Opening prayer for every night
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus, you chose to be born poor in Bethlehem. Tonight we accompany Mary and Joseph on their way. They knocked on many doors and found no room. May our hearts and our home be open to you.
Prepare us to receive you this Christmas. As we ask for lodging, may we remember all who are looking today for a roof, a job, or a land where they can live in peace. Amen.
A mystery or the whole rosary is prayed next. You can follow it in the holy rosary and finish with the litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The nine nights of Las Posadas
Each night is dedicated to a virtue that Mary and Joseph lived on their way to Bethlehem.
First posada (December 16): humility. Mary and Joseph, of the family of David, travel as simple people, asking for no privileges. Lord, take away our pride and teach us not to think ourselves better than anyone.
Second posada (December 17): strength. The road from Nazareth to Bethlehem was long and hard, and Mary was about to give birth. Lord, give us strength not to give up in life's difficulties.
Third posada (December 18): detachment. Joseph and Mary left their home and took only what was necessary. Lord, free us from attachment to things and teach us to live simply.
Fourth posada (December 19): charity. Though they needed help themselves, Mary and Joseph remained attentive to others. Lord, this Christmas may we think of those who have less than we do.
Fifth posada (December 20): trust. They did not know where they would sleep, but they trusted in God. Lord, may we place in your hands what we cannot control.
Sixth posada (December 21): justice. Joseph, the just man, obeyed the law and cared responsibly for his family. Lord, make us just and honest at work, at home, and in our dealings with others.
Seventh posada (December 22): purity. Mary kept her heart clean for God. Lord, purify our intentions, our words, and the way we look at others.
Eighth posada (December 23): joy. Despite their tiredness, Mary and Joseph carried the joy of expecting Jesus. Lord, may our joy depend not on parties, but on your presence.
Ninth posada (December 24): generosity. At last, in a poor stable, God gives himself to the world as a child. Lord, may we know how to give ourselves to others as you give yourself to us. Tonight the Baby Jesus is placed in the manger.
Closing prayer for every night
Blessed Virgin Mary and glorious Saint Joseph, thank you for teaching us to wait for Jesus.
Just as we open the door of our home to you tonight, help us open our hearts so that Jesus may be born in them. Protect our families, our children, the elderly, and the sick. Accompany migrants, those traveling far from home, and those who have nowhere to sleep.
May we reach Christmas Eve with our souls prepared to adore the Child God. Amen.
Finish with an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be. You can also pray the prayer to Saint Joseph, the father who sought shelter for his family.
The meaning of the piñata
The traditional seven-pointed piñata has a teaching meaning that many families explain to their children:
- The seven points represent the seven deadly sins.
- The bright colors recall how attractive evil can seem.
- The blindfold symbolizes faith, which trusts without seeing.
- The stick represents virtue and the strength to overcome temptation.
- The candy and fruit that fall are the graces and blessings God gives to those who overcome evil.
How to organize a posada
- Divide up the nights among families, neighbors, or parish groups. Each night, one home receives the pilgrims.
- Prepare the images of Mary and Joseph, or a small nativity set, to carry in procession.
- Have candles or little lanterns for everyone, plus sheets with the songs and prayers.
- Decide who stays inside and who stays outside for the song of asking for lodging.
- Do not forget the prayer: the rosary, the virtue of the day, and the closing prayer are the heart of the posada.
- Share generously. Many communities use Las Posadas to collect food or toys for families in need.
Las Posadas end on the night of December 24 with Christmas Eve Mass, called in many places the Misa de Gallo.
Frequently asked questions
When are Las Posadas? From December 16 to 24: nine nights ending on Christmas Eve.
Why are there nine posadas? Because they recall the nine months of Mary's pregnancy, and because they form a novena of preparation for Christmas.
Are Las Posadas a Catholic tradition? Yes. They began as a way to evangelize and to prepare for Christmas with prayer. The party, the piñata, and the candy are part of the tradition, but what matters is accompanying Mary and Joseph and opening your heart to Jesus.
Can we have a posada at home? Yes. Just gather your family or neighbors, have an image of Mary and Joseph or a nativity set, pray together, and share. If you are few, you can process from one room to another.
Final prayer of Las Posadas
Child Jesus, you sought shelter among us. Stay in our homes and in our hearts. May no one be left without a place where they are received with love. Amen.
To prepare for Christmas earlier, read the Advent wreath prayers. And for the feast itself, see our Christmas prayers.