Traditional Posadas at the Main Square

Traditional Christmas festivities called posadas were organized by the Department of Art and Culture on December 17, 18 and 20. They are part of the department’s efforts to preserve and reinforce Christmas traditions. Part of the these efforts were also the staging of the pastourelle “The Night of the Great Miracle” in the Cuale Cultural Center.
The posadas were held at the Main Plaza, with admission free to all, and were aimed mainly at children, as a way to raise a sense of identity and love of tradition in them.
Posadas are festivities held traditionally in Mexico during Christmas season, and they are a recreation of the travel Mary and Saint Joseph took to Bethlehem. A procession with live characters or figures of the pilgrims takes place, and Mary and Joseph, accompanied by a host of shepherds chant in front of doors asking for a place to spend the night.
They are sent away many times as the verses of the song are sung. In the end a door opens, and the tired pilgrims walk in and everything turns to joy and it is time to celebrate.
The procession then gives way to the breaking of Piñatas by the children. Piñatas hold a reward in their belly, which is attained when the pot is broken, causing a burst of joy and enthusiasm among children who try to get the most fruit and candy.
Posadas at the Main Square saw an important turnout of local residents and visitors as well who participated and enjoyed these expressions of the Mexican culture and tradition.