Las Posadas in Santa Fe, New MexicoThis year was the third occasion for Mary and I to make the trip to Santa Fe during the Christmas season. We love the Santa Fe area, especially during the Christmas time of year. Santa Fe hosts the "Las Posadas" every year on a Sunday about two weeks before Christmas. Las Posadas is Spanish in tradition and reenacts Mary and Joseph seeking lodging for the birth of Christ. People fill into the Santa Fe plaza just before the reenactment begins where candles are handed out and lite. Mary and Joseph arrive in the plaza surrounded by people playing and singing Spanish Christmas songs. Mary and Joseph travel to three sides of the city plaza seeking shelter. On each side of the plaza there is a person atop the business awnings dressed to look like the devil. I have to say the actors playing the part of the devil really get into their role. As Mary and Joseph travel to each side of the plaza they ask for lodging and of course the devil rejects them. Finally, at the fourth location Mary and Joseph ask for shelter and they are allowed to come inside. Everyone cheers and the procession of people follow Mary and Joseph into the courtyard of the Santa Fe Community Center lighted by luminaries to show the way. Once inside the courtyard Christmas songs are being played and hot cider is served. People entering the town plaza:
The lighting of the candles:
Mary and Joseph arrive:
They encounter the first devil:
The second devil:
The procession:
The third devil (which was strikingly similar to the second devil):
Mary and Joseph walking down the path to the courtyard after they have been given shelter:
I hope everyone enjoyed the photographs of the "Las Posadas". If you have not traveled to Santa Fe, New Mexico I would encourage you to place this destination on your to-do list. Christmas is a unique season in Santa Fe with the luminaries, decorations and the Las Posadas, but any time of the year is a great time to be in Santa Fe. It is a unique destination that to my knowledge is not duplicated in any other part of the United States. They have managed to hold on to the southwest spirit with their culture, activities, architecture, and food.
Sincerely,
Kelly
Keywords:
Christmas,
Culture,
Las Posadas,
New Mexico,
Santa Fe,
Santa Fe, New Mexico,
Southwest,
Southwest Culture
Comments
Carl(non-registered)
Very Beautiful photos. You do a great job and have fun at the same time.
Joe(non-registered)
It look's like you and Mary had a great trip!
Jeneanne(non-registered)
This is awesome, just awesome. Thanks for sharing.
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