What are some decorations for Las Posadas?
For the Posadas, the outside of houses are decorated with evergreens, moss and paper lanterns. In each Posada, children are given candles and a board, with painted clay figures of Mary riding on a donkey and Joseph, to process round the streets with.
What does each day of Las Posadas celebrate?
Each of the 9 days of Las Posadas represents one month that baby Jesus was carried in Mary’s womb. Hispanics who observe the holiday come together for all nine days and nights to decorate their homes and cook traditional food for each other.
What are typical things done at Las Posadas?
Each evening during the festival, a small child dressed as an angel leads a procession through the streets of the town. The procession is primarily made up of children dressed in silver and gold robes carrying lit candles and images of Mary and Joseph riding a donkey.
What activities do kids do during Las Posadas?
For children, the highlight of the night is often the breaking of the piñata, a brightly decorated paper (or pottery) container filled with candy and toys. The Posadas piñatas are often in the shape of seven-pointed stars. The children put on blindfolds and take turns hitting the suspended piñata with a stick.
What to do with kids at Las Posadas?
Puppet patterns are great for capturing the attention of younger students. A las posadas resource and activities packet goes a little more in depth in describing the holiday. You can use these resources in your class by having your students answer the questions in Spanish.
Why are Las Posadas important in the classroom?
Bringing this tradition into your classroom is a fun way to teach language and culture. Integrating holidays into the Spanish classroom provides the perfect opportunity for teaching new vocabulary related to cultural-specific themes. It also brings some Christmas spirit to the classroom, strengthening the bond between teacher and student.
Is the night of Las Posadas a children’s book?
Tomie dePaola’s beautiful picture book “ The Night of Las Posadas ” provides a nice introduction to the subject. Though this tale of a miraculous New Mexico posada is a children’s book, it would be of interest to students of any age.
Where do people in Latin America celebrate Las Posadas?
First and foremost, not everyone celebrates las posadas. It’s most prevalent in Mexico and Guatemala, and is celebrated in other Latin American countries to a varying degree. But it’s not something that many Spaniards celebrate. So don’t feel bad if it’s a new concept to you, the Spanish teacher, as well! Just what are las posadas exactly?