December 3, 2010 ** La Posada at Cha Cha Cha

on Nov 28 in Events by kim

We have a very special event that will be hosted by Carmen at Cha Cha Cha.  She will be sharing a Mexican Christmas Holiday Tradition begining at 5:30 p.m. with us on First Friday.  She would be delighted to have you stop by and join in on the festivities.  For those of you unfamiliar with this tradition, Carmen has put together some information to share with us.

“La Posada,” the remarkable buildup to Christmas Eve, is perhaps the most delightful and unique Mexican tradition. Beginning December 16th, and ending December 24th. It commemorates the events in the journey of a Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

After dark, each night of the “posada,” a procession begins led by two children.  The children carry a small pine-decorated platform bearing replicas of Joseph and Mary riding a burro.  Other members of the company, all with lighted long slender candles, sing the “Litany of the Virgin” as they approach the door of the house assigned to the first “Posada”.  Together they chant an old traditional song and awaken the mast of the house to ask for lodging for Mary. Those within the house threaten the company with beatings unless they move on.  Again, the company pleads for admittance.  When the owner of the house finally learns who his guests are, he jubilantly throws open the door and bids them welcome. All kneel around the manger scene or “Nacimiento” and offer songs of welcome, Ave Maria’s and a prayer.

Now it’s time for the “piñata”, refreshments and dancing.  The “Piñata” is a pottery (or paper) container, brightly decorated and filled with candy and toys.  It is hung from the ceiling or a tree.  One the children  is blindfolded, turned around and instructed to strike the Piñata with a stick.  Usually several attempts are made before the container is broken.  Of course, when that happens, there is an explosion of goodies and a scattering of children.  Adults are delighted and warmed by the traditional drink ” Ponche”, a traditional hot drink made with a variety of fruits, cinnamon and raisins.

“Feliz Navidad”