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.