Before Christmas, Mexico celebrates for nine nights. Las Posadas run from December 16 to 24, and in homes, streets, schools and offices across the country people gather to sing, break a piñata and share ponche. For a visitor, being invited to one is one of the warmest ways to see Mexico at Christmas.
What happens at a posada#
- The procession. Guests walk with candles, sometimes carrying figures of Mary and Joseph, and stop at a door.
- The song. The group outside sings, as Joseph, asking for posada, shelter. The people inside sing back, refusing, until in the last verse they recognise the travellers and open the door.
- The party. Once inside: prayers in some homes, then the piñata, ponche, tamales, and aguinaldos, little bags of candy and fruit for the children.
Why nine nights#
The nine nights are often explained as the nine months of Mary's pregnancy, or as a novena, nine days of prayer before Christmas. The last posada falls on December 24, Christmas Eve.
The piñata#
The traditional posada piñata is a seven-point star. A common explanation: the points are the seven deadly sins, breaking it blindfolded is faith beating temptation, and the sweets inside are the reward. Everyone sings "Dale, dale, dale, no pierdas el tino…" while someone swings.
Ponche and food#
| What | What it is |
|---|---|
| Ponche | Hot fruit punch with tejocotes, guava, apple, sugar cane and cinnamon |
| Tamales | Corn dough parcels, savoury or sweet |
| Buñuelos | Thin fried dough with syrup |
| Aguinaldos | Bags of candy, peanuts and fruit for the kids |
How a traveller can join one#
Most posadas are private: family, neighbours, colleagues. Some neighbourhoods, churches and cultural centres hold open posadas, especially in the centre of big cities. The easiest way in is through someone local who's going. If you're invited, bring something to share, such as fruit for the ponche or candy for the piñata.
Spending December in the capital? Mexico City in December has the full month, and for the season before it, see Day of the Dead 2026.
Go to a posada with a local#
Posadas happen in homes and neighbourhoods, which is exactly where travellers don't usually get in. Roavi Local Friends in Mexico are locals who spend time with travellers: a market, a neighbourhood celebration, a family-style dinner. They set their own rates and message you directly before you meet.
Celebrate a Mexican Christmas with a local.
Meet a Local Friend in Mexico CityFrequently Asked Questions
What are Las Posadas?
A Mexican Christmas tradition held over nine nights, December 16 to 24. People re-enact Mary and Joseph's search for lodging ('posada') with a sung back-and-forth at a door, then celebrate with a piñata, ponche and food.When are Las Posadas in 2026?
Every night from Wednesday December 16 to Thursday December 24, 2026, the last one on Christmas Eve. Many offices and schools hold theirs earlier in December, before the holidays.What does the posada piñata mean?
The traditional posada piñata is a star with seven points, often explained as the seven deadly sins. Breaking it blindfolded stands for faith overcoming temptation, and the sweets that fall out are the reward.What do you drink at a posada?
Ponche: a hot fruit punch with tejocotes, guava, apple, sugar cane and cinnamon, sweetened with piloncillo. Adults sometimes add a splash of rum or tequila.Can tourists go to a posada?
Yes, if invited or at public events. Many are private family or office gatherings, but neighbourhoods, churches and cultural centres hold open ones. The easiest way in is through a local who's going.
