Las Posada is a traditional Mexican re-enactment of Mary & Joseph’s house-to-house voyage in search of a room. I had the pleasure of documenting and best of all experiencing the event last year in Copándaro – the small town where Betty’s family is from. What occurs is that a group of “pilgrims” arrive, complete with statues of Mary, Joseph and a donkey she’s riding on, at your home where they try to obtain housing and are subsequently turned away. The entire procession is filled with praying (the Rosary), singing and candles as each home “turns” the couple away just like how Mary & Joseph were turned away. At the end of the night, at the designated home, a traditional clay pinata is put up to symbolize the star of Bethlehem. The children enjoy taking turns breaking the pinata and end with candy and other goodies like fruit and toys.

It was a magical night, something I will cherish my entire life.

May you and your loved ones have the most joyful holiday season.

[Update 12/22/10 10:30am] If you’d like to experience a Las Posada here in San Francisco and already missed the Mission one, they will have another one in North Beach on Thursday, 12/23 called Las Posadas de San Francisco. I’d love to go but it’s looking iffy.