Dates TBA One of the most popular Christmas traditions in Northern New Mexico is Las Posadas, a multi day celebration of religious observance. The ritual has been a tradition in Mexico for over 400 years. Many Mexican holidays include dramatizations of original events, a tradition which has its roots in the ritual of Bible plays used to teach the scriptures to a largely illiterate population in Europe as early as the 10th and 11th centuries. “Posadas” is Spanish for “lodging” or accommodation” and Las Posadas is a traditional play enacted 9 days before Christmas telling the story of Joseph and Mary on their journey looking for a place to stay before their baby Jesus was born. Each day corresponds to one month that baby Jesus was carried in the womb of the Virgin Mary. In Taos Las Posadas is celebrated throughout the county. It is a time to come together for nine days and nights of devotion to purification, meditation and getting in touch with the holiness of the season. The Posaditas go to different houses each night and are sent away, until the ninth night, when they are finally given posada (shelter). People along the route decorate their home entrances with farolitos to light the way and cook traditional foods like Tamales and biscochitos which are given to the posadistas. As part of the ceremony prayer is recited for the posadistas and community joining in the celebrations. Besides the Posadas organized by local churches, it is also organized in private homes. To find out the Las Posadas locations contact San Francisco de Asis Church in Ranchos de Taos. Call (575) 758-2754. 2023 San Francisco de Asis Church Schedule December 15 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 16 – 5:00 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 17 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 18 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 19 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 20 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 21 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 22 – 5:30 pm at San Francisco de Asis Church December 23 – 5:00 pm at Talpa Capilla December 24 – 8:00 am & 10:00 am at San Francisco de Asis Church (Sunday Obligatioin) December 24 – 5:00 pm Christmas Eve Mass at San Francisco de Asis Church (Fulfills Christmas Obligation not Sundays) December 25 – 8:00 am & 10:00 am Christmas Day at San Francisco de Asis Church (Holy Day of Obligation) Where: 60 St. Francis Plaza in Ranchos de Taos, NMCall: 575-758-2754More Information: [email protected]