Try these suggestions to enjoy a different kind of posada
We are finally a few weeks away from celebrating the long-awaited Christmas, and, for Mexicans, the holidays are not only limited to December 24 and 25. If there is a «modern» tradition that we have carried with us for generations, it’s the Winter holidays, and December is famous for its posadas. The posadas are festivities that have been celebrated in Mexico since colonial times. Its origin is religious, representing the pilgrimage of Joseph and Mary on their way to Bethlehem. Curiously, before the arrival of the Spaniards, the Aztecs celebrated the arrival of Huitzilopochtli during the month of «panquetzaliztli» (equivalent to December), and these festivities lasted around 20 days. The fusion between both customs did not take long to occur, and today we have the punch and the songs and moments with our loved ones that are unique and unforgettable. Customs change depending on the generation experiencing them. Therefore, even though we know that posadas are more often held in homes, we love the idea of experimenting and finding new spaces for our posadas, somewhere we can feel in complete harmony. Start by finding a setting that represents you, somewhere you can be yourself and demonstrate all your traditions. Remember that the more amenities available, the better things will work out. In that sense, a private reservation at a restaurant or hotel terrace is a great and intimate way to celebrate your traditions. Why not try something different? That way, this year’s posada will be something to remember. Food is essential. Not only does it bring people together, but it is also a way of showing affection. We have always believed that letting someone cook for you is better than spending all day cooking. Hiring a caterer is simple and offers countless possibilities for all tastes. Don’t forget the dessert! Having something sweet and warm at the end of the dinner will surely bring about stories and good memories. Finally, if you want to try different types of ambiance, after singing the traditional Christmas posada songs, you can play some classical music in the background or even folk songs that remind you of people who are no longer around. If you like more modern music, why not give it a try? In the end, there is no rule for celebrating in our country and, maybe, that is part of its charm.
Three important celebrations and cultural events you must experience when you travel to Mexico
We believe that one of the most incredible things about being Mexican is that we have so many celebrations a year. We just can’t get enough of the party. Important dates represent a legacy from our ancestors and an opportunity to spend time with the people close to us. If you are a person who is still not familiar with our culture, we think you will want to travel to Mexico during these dates to experience the majesty of our celebrations: Day of the Dead – November 1 & 2 Very few people have not heard of our famous Day of the Dead. This date is perhaps the one that draws the most attention from travelers because it is a solemn time of year, but with traditions throughout the country. The influence of the Aztec empire can still be felt in different Mexican festivities and traditions, and their respect and love for those who have passed away created the modern Day of the Dead tradition. We believe that the dead are still among us, and the city is filled with marigold flowers and altars with photos of our deceased loved ones, accompanied by candles and offerings. Paseo de la Reforma comes alive with the fantastic Day of the Dead parade, an event not to be missed if you visit Mexico City at this time of the year. La Guelaguetza – Mid July. The Guelaguetza is a celebration that takes place in the city of Oaxaca that began as a ritual performed for the gods in pre-Hispanic times. At dawn on the first Day of the Guelaguetza, the chirimiteros (music bands) play the mañanitas in various temples of Oaxaca. The local people take it as a signal to go to the emblematic Cerro del Fortin, where the whole celebration occurs. Nowadays, it is a celebration that lasts for days, with plenty of food and drinks and activities for all ages. Las Posadas – Mid to late December Spending Christmas in another country is lovely, especially if it is like in Mexico where, in addition to the traditional dinner, we enjoy previous celebrations such as the posadas. The posadas are a series of festivities that have been held in Mexico since colonial times. The Posadas represent the pilgrimage of Joseph and Mary on their way to Bethlehem. They are religious in nature, but for those who want to enjoy the party, the guava punch, the traditional piñata and the romeritos are the perfect combination for an enjoyable time.