In Mexico, Las Posadas (“The Inns”) is one of the largest and most colorful Christmas celebrations. Celebrated every evening from December 16 to 24, the tradition commemorates Mary and Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem – when they were refused lodging on the night Jesus was born.

Each night of the event, a party is held in a neighborhood home, with food, drink and sweets. At dusk, the guests gather outside the house. A small child dressed as an angel leads the procession through the area, with boys and girls dressed in silver and gold, followed by adults and musicians, all carrying candles and singing. Upon returning to the house, the group divides in two with half remaining outside begging for shelter. If the party is large enough, the procession might first approach houses where entry is refused, before arriving at the final destination. Either way, once the doors are finally opened the real fun begins.

The evening’s festivities end with a piñata, traditionally made in the shape of a star, which symbolizes the star that guided the Magi to the newborn Jesus. However, any piñata filled with wrapped candy, peanuts, oranges and sugar cane will do.

In the more traditional provinces of Mexico, the last posada held on December 24 is the most popular. It ends with a midnight Mass which closes the evening’s revelry with a spiritual flourish.