Posada
The Tradition of Posada
Posada is a Spanish word that means ‘inn’ or ‘shelter’. It is also a Mexican tradition where, in the weeks leading up to Christmas, young people dressed as Mary and Joseph traavel from house to house asking for a room for the night and telling of the imminent arrival of Jesus. Finally on Christmas Eve they visit the local church to re-enact the nativity and place figures of Mary and Joseph in a crib.
Modern day Posada uses nativity figures of Mary and Joseph who travel from home to home. This symbolises making room for Jesus in our lives, homes and communities.
Posada in Harbury
In our Parish, since 2010, we have taken on the modern tradition of Posada. Villagers and those from further afield volunteer to give a home to the figures of Mary and Joseph for a night. A welcome prayer accompanies the figures as they travel.
Their exchange provides an opportunity to meet someone who you may not normally see, maybe share a coffee or even a meal together. The rota begins on Advent Sunday and the figures journey around the village, and beyond, returning back to church on Christmas Eve in time for the crib service.
Mary and Joseph go Globe Trotting
In 2015 our Posada figures went on an extended world tour. Parishioners were given the opportunity to invite Mary and Joseph on holiday or on a business trip with them. Their progress has been mapped out with photographic evidence.
