The story
When Mary and Joseph reached Bethlehem, there was no room for them in the inn. Las Posadas remember that night. Posada means inn or lodging in Spanish, and for nine nights before Christmas, families walk the road with Mary and Joseph.
Each night, children carry figures of Mary and Joseph, or dress up as them, and walk with candles. At each door they sing, asking for a place to stay, and the people inside sing back that there is no room. At the last door, the people inside recognize the travelers and open wide.
Then everyone comes inside to pray, often a Rosary or a novena, and to celebrate with warm ponche, sweets and a star-shaped piñata. The nine nights are like the nine months Mary waited for Jesus, and on the ninth night, Christmas Eve, he is born.
Clara tells the whole story at bedtime, in the Little Prayer Stories app.Get the app →
