Christmas is soon approaching and whether or not you are vacationing in the Riviera Maya Mexico over Christmas, you will be interested to know of a unique tradition they have only in Mexico.

It is called "Las Posadas" and it is an event that builds up to Christmas eve. It begins on December 16th. This tradition is a reenactment of the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem and how they searched for shelter in a posada (inn).

For the first eight evenings of this tradition, after dark, two children in costumes carrying a statue of Mary and Joseph will lead a candlelight procession of family and friends through a neighborhood singing songs and approaching homes asking for shelter. When they find a home that will provide them shelter, they give thanks and place the Mary and Joseph statues in the home. At that time they all enjoy a large feast together with tradition Mexican food such as tamales, rice, rellenos and menudo.

At that time, they may also have dancing and the children will have their turn at breaking the Pinata filled with candy.

On Christmas Eve, small children will dress up as shepherds and stand on either side of the nativity while others will sing songs to Mary and baby Jesus. At midnight, the birth of Christ is announced with fireworks, bells and whistles. After midnight mass, the families will return to their homes and enjoy a traditional dinner together.

Christmas day does not have any special traditions, other than being with family and those that have taken the american traditions such as a christmas tree and santa clause.

Every culture is so unique in how they celebrate things and this is no exception. Consider these traditions to be added into your own.

Merry Christmas & Feliz Navidad