The festival of Las Posadas commemorates Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in crowded Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. Originating in Spain, it is now celebrated primarily in Mexico and Hispanic communities in the United States. For nine nights, from December 16 to 24, carolers and musicians process in their neighborhood or village. A girl and boy – dressed as Mary and Joseph – are refused entry at each house until, finally, a designated home invites them all inside for celebratory food, song and games. The festival culminates in Christmas Eve Mass. Today, with so many displaced because of war, poverty, natural disasters and human rights violations, this centuries-old tradition seems especially relevant.
Tots – age 3
Las Posadas Numbers/Numeros
By Emma Garcia
Illustrated by Eliza Moreno
Lil’ Libros, 2024, $12.99
Through this engaging bilingual English/Spanish board book, tots learn about the festival and how to count from one to 20. Bright, cheery illustrations introduce specific objects (17 candles), refreshments (11 tamales) and key figures (10 dancers). This is one of many acclaimed bilingual books published by Lil’ Libros, whose offerings reflect “the rich tapestry of the American Latino experience.”
A Piñata in a Pine Tree
By Pat Mora
Illustrated by Magaly Morales
Clarion/HarperCollins, 2009, $18.99
Hispanic holiday treats dance across the page in this lively adaptation of the Twelve Days of Christmas song. Although not about Las Posadas, per se, this book spotlights objects also used during that festival, including the star-shaped piñata and luminarias (candle-lit lanterns). The 12 days of the book and song run from December 25 (Christmas Day) to January 5 (Epiphany Eve). The text mixes English and Spanish, and the dynamic art reveals the gifts given by the mysterious amiga.
Age 4 – 9
‘Twas Nochebuena
By Roseanne Greenfield Thong
Illustrated by Sara Palacios
Viking, 2014, $17.99
On Christmas Eve, a contemporary Hispanic family prepares tamales, sings with the posadas procession and attends midnight Mass. Then it’s time to feast and open presents! Roseanne Greenfield Thong intertwines English and Spanish in this delightful adaptation of Clement Moore’s 19th century poem. Her final lines sweetly echo those of the classic: “Feliz Navidad, and to all a good night.”
The Night of Las Posadas
By Tomie dePaulo
Puffin, 2001, $6.99
In this lovely, longtime holiday favorite, the late, beloved author/ illustrator Tomie dePaulo recounts a Las Posadas miracle. In Santa Fe, New Mexico, a snowstorm strands the young couple playing Mary and Joseph in the posadas procession. Suddenly a man and his pregnant wife arrive to take their place – only to disappear when the procession ends. Where did they go? An elderly woman entering the church to pray before a holy carving is the first to discover the truth.
Mary Quattlebaum lives in Washington, D.C. and is the author of 30 award-winning children’s books, most recently Queen Elizabeth II, an early reader biography. She teaches in the graduate program in writing for children at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, writes frequently for The Washington Post and is a popular school and conference speaker.
