| cl | | | | first, the observances soon became imbued with a |
| There are many traditions in Mexico that are fun and | | | | spirit of fun and eventually left the church and began |
| fascinating from an outsiderâs perspective as | | | | to be celebrated in people's homes. The posadas |
| well as to those who participate in them. | | | | have become a community affair with friends, relatives |
| Here are just a few of them: | | | | and neighbors getting together to share in the |
| 1. Las Posadas â This Mexican Christmas | | | | festivities, visiting a different house each evening. |
| tradition is the best known manifestation of the | | | | People carry candles, visit several houses and ask for |
| Christmas spirit held each night on the nine days | | | | âposadaâ (shelter), the adults are |
| between December 16th and Christmas eve which, | | | | given a thick punch âPonche |
| according to religious tradition, represents the period | | | | Navidenoâ and at the end of the journey, the |
| when Mary and Joseph long ago search for lodgings | | | | âpiñataâ, stuffed with candy and |
| were seeking shelter before the birth of Jesus is | | | | fruit, is broken. |
| re-enacted. Solemn and deeply religious in feeling at | | | | |