What is a Posada? This is a question that a lot of people ask as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. The tradition of the Posadas was brought to Mexico from Spain in the 1500's by Catholic Missionaries. The Posadas commemorate Mary and Joseph's difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a place for the Christ Child to be born. In Spanish, the word means dwelling or lodging. The Posadas begin on December 16 for nine evenings, culminating with the Posada on December 24 and Midnight Mass. The Posadas are not to be confused with a mere Christmas party. Instead, the Posadas should be seen as a religious event. In Catholic parishes, parishioners and anyone who wishes to join in meet at the church at a specific time during the early evening. The Posada begins with the recitation of the Holy Rosary, a very beautiful prayer to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. When a part of the Rosary is prayed by all those who have gathered for the Posada, the group begins to proceed from the church to the local neighborhood. The Posada can be led by a small group carrying a manger scene or the Posada can become quite elaborate with a live donkey and parishioners who are dressed like Mary and Joseph. (Reference: Catholic Online: Fr. James Farfaglia)