Cantos para pedir posada are traditional Christmas songs sung in Mexico and other Latin American countries. They reenact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter in Bethlehem before Jesus' birth. The word "posada" means "lodging" or "inn."
What Happens During a Posada?
A posada is a nine-day celebration before Christmas, from December 16th to 24th. Each night, people gather. They often split into two groups: those playing Mary and Joseph (los peregrinos, the pilgrims) and those playing the innkeepers inside a designated house.
The peregrinos carry images of Mary and Joseph. They might even have someone dressed as them! They go to a house and sing a traditional song, asking for shelter. This song is the core of the Cantos para pedir posada.
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The people inside the house initially refuse entry. They sing their own part of the song, acting as grumpy innkeepers. This back-and-forth singing continues for a few verses.
Finally, the people inside recognize the pilgrims. They sing a verse welcoming Mary and Joseph. The doors open, and everyone enters the house.
The Songs Themselves
The Cantos para pedir posada are structured dialogues in song. The verses follow a call-and-response pattern. Here's a simplified example in Spanish and English:
Pilgrims: "En el nombre del cielo, / os pido posada, / pues no puede andar / mi esposa amada." (In the name of heaven, / I ask you for lodging, / because my beloved wife / can no longer walk.)
Innkeepers: "Aquí no es mesón, / sigan adelante, / yo no puedo abrir, / no sea algún tunante." (This is not an inn, / keep going, / I cannot open, / lest you be a rogue.)
This exchange repeats with variations. Eventually, the innkeepers sing:
Innkeepers: "Entren, santos peregrinos, / reciban este rincón, / y aunque es pobre la morada, / os la doy de corazón." (Enter, holy pilgrims, / receive this corner, / and although the dwelling is poor, / I give it to you from my heart.)
Beyond the Songs
The Cantos para pedir posada are more than just songs. They represent important values. They teach about hospitality, compassion, and the spirit of Christmas. They remind people of Mary and Joseph's difficult journey and the importance of welcoming those in need.
After the singing, the posada celebration continues. Often there are prayers, food, drinks, and games. The piñata is a common tradition at posadas. It's filled with candy and fruit and represents overcoming temptation.
Cantos para pedir posada and the posadas themselves are beautiful and meaningful traditions. They bring communities together to celebrate the Christmas season and remember the story of Jesus' birth. Participating in a posada is a wonderful way to experience the culture and traditions of Mexico and other Latin American countries.
