The joy of Christmas came to the Paso del Guayabo neighborhood, where dozens of people enjoyed the Posada organized by the City of Puerto Vallarta, which promotes traditions and healthy coexistence among the community.
The residents of that colony located on the banks of the Cuale River, as well as Paso del Molino, gathered at the celebration site, where children and adults enjoyed the holiday tradition.
The faces of dozens of children were enlightened, filled with happiness and were guided by the fun program that included Chicotito Clown, with whom they shouted, sang and participated in various games and jokes that also made people entertained the adults.
In this Posada organized by the municipal government, the attendees enjoyed tostadas and agua frescas, and the funniest moment was when the little ones split the piñatas.
The roots of Las Posadas stretch deeply into Latin culture. It originated in Spain, but it’s been a yearly celebration throughout Mexico for over 400 years. The tradition is done in Puerto Vallarta and throughout Mexico, officially beginning on December 16 and continuing nine days until Christmas Eve.
Each night, churches, neighborhoods, organizations, and others reenact Joseph and Mary’s search for an Inn or in Spanish a Posada. The events are held for nine days to represent one day for each month of Mary’s pregnancy.
At dusk, a procession of the faithful takes to the streets with children often dressed as angels and shepherds. Religious figures, images and lighted candles are a part of the festivities. The procession follows Joseph and Mary, where Mary traditionally rides a donkey, as they visit houses in the neighborhood and ask for a room at the Inn. Finally, each night, a family agrees to give Mary and Joseph a room at the Inn, this is where the street party begins.
A street party is almost guaranteed to have some traditional foods and activities, like a piñata, atole, and tamales.
Each of these Posadas takes place throughout Puerto Vallarta colonies and is something not to miss. The nativity story has been told for centuries, but not with as much flourish and faith-based exuberance as you will experience in Mexico.
