A Latin American Christmas tradition kicks off this weekend with celebrations to kick off the festival, and this year people from all over Michigan can participate.
Latino communities across the state will celebrate “Las Posadas,” honoring an annual Christmas tradition with deep roots in Mexico.
While the celebration officially begins Monday, many communities are hosting events this weekend.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is Las Posadas?
Las Posadas is a Mexican and Latin American Christmas festival commemorating the journeys of Mary and Joseph between Nazareth and Bethlehem in the Middle East, in the Christian tradition.
More: What stores are open and closed on Christmas in Michigan? Your guide
When is Las Posadas?
Las Posadas takes place from December 16 to 24.
How is Las Posadas celebrated?
Las Posadas celebrations typically include prayers, a procession, piñatas, music, hot food and drinks and sweets, according to Journey Mexico.
“Beginning on December 16 and ending nine days later on December 24, Las Posadas commemorates the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy,” says the website Franciscanmedia.com. “Each night, one family agrees to host the pilgrims. And so it begins: at dusk, a procession of believers takes to the streets, with children often dressed as angels and shepherds. Creating religious figures, images and lighted candles part of the festivities.”
What is the origin of Las Posadas?
According to Franciscan Media, Las Posadas has a strong connection in Latin America, with celebrations in Mexico dating back more than 400 years. The Christian festival originated in Spain, and Spanish colonists took the tradition to Mexico to spread Christianity in the region.
The name, Spanish for inn, comes from the Christmas story of Mary and Joseph who were looking for a place to stay while traveling to Bethlehem.
More: December is filled with holiday celebrations in Michigan. This is when they happen
Where can you celebrate Las Posadas in Michigan?
Here are some festivities you can celebrate across the state as Las Posadas gets underway:
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Las Posadas with the Center for Music and Performing Arts Southwest: The Henry Ford in Dearborn will host a program at Las Posadas on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., with a performance at 1 p.m. The event will include information about the festival and a performance by student musicians from the Center of Music & Performing Arts Southwest.
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Las Posadas in the parish of the Holy Family in Adrian: Holy Family Parish in Adrian will host Las Posadas on Monday at 7 p.m. at the St. Mary Campus Activities Center and on Tuesday at 8 p.m. at the St. Joseph Campus following the 7 p.m. Mass.
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Posada and Bazar: The Royal Oak Farmers Market will host a Posada y Bazar, or Posada en Bazar, on Saturdays from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM. The event includes Mexican cuisine, family-friendly activities, traditional music, a Posada procession, a raffle and local vendor market and more.
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Southwestern Posada Holiday Market: The Southwest Posada Holiday Market is Saturday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Vamonos! in Detroit. The event includes local vendors, food, music, a fire pit and dance performances, in keeping with the Mexican holiday tradition.
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Cristo Rey Church, Lansing: “In our parish,” says the church website, “the community divides into two groups: the pilgrims and the innkeepers. those seeking shelter are Mary and Joseph. They let them in and receive them warmly and with singing. After this we come together as a community to pray the rosary, followed by a small reception and exchange.’
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Everything you need to know about Michigan’s ‘Las Posadas’ in 2024
