Posadas
Date: December
Location: Nationwide
These are the December celebrations that take place during the nine days leading up to Christmas and have an ancient tradition.
In pre-Hispanic times, the advent of Huitzilopochtli (God of War) was celebrated from December 17 to 26, so when the Spaniards arrived, they adopted this custom and modified it to incorporate new beliefs into the festivities.
Traditional posadas have slight variations depending on the location in which they are celebrated and have changed over time; however, the most important common aspects are the request for posada with traditional carols, where one group of guests gives posada while the other group acts as pilgrims illuminated by candles.
After singing the corresponding litany, children and adults line up to hit a piñata from which candies and fruits will fall.
Hot punch and tamales are served at the celebration, and "aguinaldos," which mainly consist of candies, are handed out.