Las Posadas are one of the most beloved Mexican Christmas traditions and, for many Hispanic families living in the United States, they represent a way to keep their roots alive, share with the community and teach new generations the value of togetherness, faith and hospitality.
Although hosting a Posada may seem complicated, it can actually be easily adapted to any space and budget. Here is a practical, step-by-step guide to learn how to organize a posada at home.
Define the date and place
Traditionally, the Posadas are celebrated from December 16 to 24, but it is not mandatory to celebrate them every day.
Many families choose a single night, usually on a weekend, to facilitate attendance.
The place can be: Your house or apartment; the patio, weather permitting, or a common area of the building or community.
You don’t need a large space: the important thing is the atmosphere and the conviviality.
2. Get the pilgrims
1️⃣ Today, December 16, Mexico opens the door to one of its warmest traditions: the Posadas 🎄✨
9 nights that not only celebrate, but remember to open the door to those who seek shelter.
Want to know why and how they are lived? 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/8TLLOAn98B– 🎮 Playing with Science | Science & Gaming (@JugandoCiencia) December 16, 2025
In Mexican stores you can buy the pilgrims Joseph and Mary, who are the center of this celebration.
You can put them on a tray or on a large plate and choose a couple of older children or teenagers, who are the ones who will go in front of the procession.
This will be the focal point of the Posada and helps to explain the real meaning to children and young people.
3. Organize the singing of the Posada
Singing is the heart of the tradition. It is divided into two groups:
The pilgrims, who represent Joseph and Mary
Hosts, who “deny” and then “give inn”.
You can print the traditional letter or have it on your cell phone.
There is no need to sing perfectly: the important thing is to participate and understand the symbolism of asking for and offering shelter.
4. Plan the piñata
The piñata, especially the one with seven peaks, is one of the most awaited moments, especially by children.
Practical tips: Use a sturdy but safe piñata; fill it with fruit, soft candies and peanuts; blindfold only older children and with supervision.
If you can’t hang it, you can also break it on the floor or use a smaller version.
5. Prepare simple and traditional food
There is no need for a feast. Las Posadas are characterized by warm, comforting food, such as:
Punch
Tamales
Doughnuts
Atole or champurrado
Many hosts choose to have each guest bring something, which facilitates organization and strengthens the sense of community.
6. Include children
Explain: What Joseph and Mary represent, why it is sung, what the piñata symbolizes.
Involving them keeps the tradition alive, especially among U.S.-born children.
A tradition that is still alive
Organizing a Posada at home is a simple and powerful way to keep alive a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Beyond the food or the piñata, the Posadas remind us of universal values: solidarity, empathy and family.
In any corner of the United States, a well-organized Posada is still a home open to the Christmas spirit.
Filed under: How to organize a posada
