The Mexican Cultural Center kicks off the holiday season with the celebration of a “Christmas Posada,” an opportunity for Philadelphians to be part of one of the most traditional festivities in Mexico and Central America.

The tradition dates back to colonial times and it re-enacts Mary and Joseph’s cold and difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of shelter (posada). While the festivity has a similar origin in each country, its celebration varies from region to region.

‘Posadas’ are held from Dec. 16 to the 24 in anticipation of Christmas Eve. One of the most representative activities during these gatherings is to break the piñata. Historically, it has been reported that friars utilized these colorful figures in their evangelization efforts.

One of the most traditional piñata models is shaped like a star and features seven points, which in turn represent the seven deadly sins. "Beautiful and bright, the piñata tempted. Candies and fruits inside represented the cantaros (temptations) of wealth and earthly pleasures," reported Wendy Devlin for mexconnect.com.

“The blindfolded participant represents the leading force in defying evil, ‘Fe,’ faith, which must be blind. People gathered near the player and spun him around to confuse his sense of space,” Devlin added.

Traditional song to break the piñata

"Dále, dále, dále,
no pierdas el tino,
porque si lo pierdes,
 pierdes el camino
No quiero oro, ni quiero plata,
yo lo que quiero es romper la piñata. 
No quiero oro ni quiero plata,
yo lo que quiero es romper la piñata" 

Celebrate Christmas Posada’s in Philadelphia

On Thursday Dec. 10  the Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia and the Mexican Cultural Center (MCC) will host their “Christmas Posada” at the Kimmel Center with a live performance by contemporary folk band Jarana Beat, a fusion of “Afroamerindian” sounds from Mexico “à la Brooklyn.”

The event is free and open to the public from 5:00 pm to 7:00 p.m. In addition to live music, attendees will have a chance to sing a traditional litany and to vote for the best piñata in a community contest.

Also as part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art holiday schedule, both organizations will present "Feliz Navidad," with live performances by Ballet Folklorico Yaretzi and the Mariachi music of Pedro Villaseñor.

"Feliz Navidad" will be held on Friday, Dec. 18 from 5 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the Philadelphia Museum of Art  (2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway). This event is free with the museum’s admission.

For more information call (215) 592-0410 or visit MexicanCulturalCenter.