There is something deeply holy and joy-filled about gathering as a community to walk with Mary and Joseph during the nine days before Christmas. For many of us, Posadas were a treasured part of Advent — a living meditation on the Holy Family’s journey, wrapped in carols, candles, prayer, and community.

Today, you can keep (or begin!) this beautiful tradition in your home, school, parish, or neighborhood. Here’s how to host a Posada that brings together faith, culture, and family in a way your community will never forget.

What Is a Posada?

A Posada (Spanish for “lodging” or “inn”) is a nine-day celebration from December 16–24 that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. It’s part pilgrimage, part prayer, part celebration — and 100% Catholic tradition at its finest.

Each evening, families or groups walk together, singing the traditional Posada song as “Mary and Joseph” ask for shelter. At the final home, everyone is welcomed “inside,” where prayers, treats, and joy await. Check out our Posada bundles for a stress-free gathering here.

How to Host a Beautiful Posada

Here is a simple, heartfelt way to recreate the Posada you remember — full of music, faith, and community.

1. Gather Your Community

Invite friends, neighbors, classmates, or fellow parishioners. Let them know what a Posada is and encourage them to come ready to sing, walk, and celebrate.

Tip: Consider preparing a small welcome table with song sheets, candles, and a basket of saint-themed Posada bags for treats.

2. Create Your Two Groups: “Afuera” & “Adentro”

Download your Posada Songs here

Traditionally, the community is split into two groups:

🕊️ Afuera (Outside) Group

Represents Mary and Joseph

Usually led by two children dressed as the Holy Family

Carries candles or battery-operated lights

🏠 Adentro (Inside) Group

Represents the innkeepers

Stations themselves inside each home or designated place

Both groups will sing back and forth during the Posada song.

3. Distribute Song Sheets

You’ll want copies of:

The traditional Posada song (“Las Posadas”)

Simple Christmas carols for the walk between stops

Closing prayer or Rosary guide

(Full song lyrics and rosary guide provided below.)

4. Process to Three Homes or Stations

The Afuera group, led by “Mary and Joseph,” walks to the first location to request shelter.

At each stop, you’ll sing two verses of the Posada song.

Stop 1: Verse 1–2

🎶 Afuera sings
🎶 Adentro responds

Then the group moves to the second home singing a Christmas carol (ex: “Silent Night,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” or “Campanas de Belén”).

Stop 2: Verse 3–4

More call-and-response singing.

Walk again with another Christmas carol.

Final Stop: Verse 5–6

At this final place, the innkeepers joyfully welcome the community “inside” — symbolizing the manger where Jesus will be born.

5. Gather to Pray the Rosary

Once the Holy Family is welcomed in, the community gathers to pray. Download your How to pray the Rosary with the Joyful mysteries here. 

6. Celebrate With Treats, Music & Community

After prayer, it’s time for the celebration — a moment of joy symbolizing the world receiving the Savior.

Traditional treats include:

Pan dulce

Champurrado

Hot chocolate

Buñuelos

A piñata filled with sweets for the kids

Children leave with small treat bags — a simple, sweet reminder of the joy that awaits us at Christmas.

Make This Tradition Your Own

Celebrating a Posada today is more than a cultural event — it’s a way to form children in the faith, unite families, and prepare hearts for Christmas.

It teaches:

Hospitality

Prayer

Community

Compassion

And the tenderness of the Holy Family’s journey

For many families, this continues for all nine nights or for a single evening, building anticipation for the Nativity.