Organize the best Christmas posada

The Christmas season is here. The decorations, colors, and dishes begin to be savored. The atmosphere also starts to fill with energy and surprises. The Christmas festivities kick off the planning, and thus the posadas, a Mexican tradition, begin to be enjoyed. If you plan to organize a posada, here we will tell you the steps you need to follow to offer one of the best to your guests during this upcoming December season. Elements of the posada The way posadas are organized at Christmas has a lot to do with the place where they take place; however, there are some elements that cannot be missing in an authentic and traditional posada: - Figures of the pilgrims. - Christmas carols or religious songs. - Piñata. - Punch. - Candles. - Christmas gifts. - Sparklers. - Dinner. - Desserts. Invitations It is important to keep in mind the number of guests to know very well the quantities that will be required for each of the elements listed above, so that nothing is missing. Additionally, once the guest list is known, an appropriate invitation for the event should be created. You can resort to previously printed invitations, although their cost is high; but if what you want is to save money, you can opt to make some at home and unleash your imagination, or create an electronic one and send it via email or some digital means to your guests. It will be important to indicate in the invitation whether there is parking available or, for those who arrive on foot, which are the closest metro or bus stations. The address must be very clear, and if a map of the location can be included, that would be perfect. Invitations should be sent at least 15 days before the date of the posada so that your guests can organize their time properly and ensure that the estimated number will attend. Starting The posada begins with the reminder, through the singing of Christmas carols, of the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph. Sometimes a couple of adults or children dress up as the pilgrims, or alternatively, traditional clay figures can be used. The attendees at the posada are then divided into two groups; the first stays inside the house while the second, led by the pilgrims, asks for shelter outside the building. Tradition dictates that all attendees carry candles, which should remain lit until the pilgrims are welcomed inside the house. Christmas Fun The act of breaking the piñata is very symbolic; the guests, especially the children, represent humanity fighting against sin or evil, which is represented by the piñata; therefore, the latter is hit until the virtues (the sweets and seasonal fruits with which it was previously filled) fly through the air to fill us with blessings and hope. Dinner Once the piñata has been broken, the attendees celebrate the triumph of good over evil and enjoy a dinner that brings together all the family and friends who have been invited. Typically, the dinner of a Christmas posada includes stews and typical Mexican dishes of the season; the essential punch, buñuelos, Christmas gifts with sweets and cookies, etc., and often ends with a Christmas gift exchange. Posadas are a perfect excuse to enjoy a warm and colorful family gathering during the most festive time of the year. Cooking Recipes Here are some cooking recipes for your Christmas posada so you know what to offer and prepare in advance. They are easy and delicious. Your guests will love them. (it is important to click on the recipe title to see more preparation details) Christmas Cod. The typical recipe for delicious Christmas cod. Cheese Taquitos. A Mexican snack with a gourmet presentation. Tortillas filled with different cheeses. Chicken and Potato Flautas. Flautas are a very delicious and filling dish. They are named for being tacos that resemble flautas. This flautas recipe has a filling of chicken and potato, plus you can find more filling ideas in the tips section. Esquites in Cups. Delicious esquites snack with shredded chicken, mayonnaise, piquín chili, and lime. Served in individual cups. Special Christmas Rompope for Posadas. Very rich and delicious rompope. Hot Chocolate. A drink to warm the whole family during the cold months. The hot chocolate recipe includes milk for consistency and dark chocolate for a delicious flavor. Punch. A traditional Mexican drink with dried and seasonal Christmas fruits. Christmas Truffles. Delicious and easy chocolate truffles decorated for a Christmas touch with white chocolate and red and white mint candies.   To find more Christmas recipes for your posada, click here.