I know, it’s been a couple months BUT because we were so busy entertaining during the holidays I honestly did not have the time to sit in front of the computer and type. I won’t go into much detail but I do want to say spending Christmas in Oaxaca was a fun idea. The people of Oaxaca sure know how to party around the holidays and it all begins with Las Posadas.

Las posadas are a tradition that is celebrated starting December 16 and it ends on December 24. This was actually the first time Rudy and I did the “traditional” posadas and man was I exhausted by the third night! So each night you go to the home (designated to be an “inn”) that holds the statutes of the Virgin Mary and Joseph, the procession begins and a group of ladies lead the way singing.  We walk to the next house and ask for “posada” which is basically just asking for shelter as Joseph and Mary did. At each house, the resident responds by singing a song and Mary and Joseph are finally recognized and allowed to enter. Once the “innkeepers” let them in, the group of guests come into the home and say a prayer around the Nativity.

Once you get in the house then the party begins! the host serves food, ponche navideno (hot cider), children then break the star shaped pinatas and goodie bags are handed out to everyone. If you haven’t attended a traditional posada you are missing out on a good party. 

The other thing that we did was celebrate Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day at the Zocalo and let me tell you this is the place to be!  It’s fun and everyone is having a good time.  Many locals and foreigners buy fireworks so everyone is at the Zocalo lighting the fireworks (we did too) it was a lot of fun.

We enjoyed a 4 course meal at one of the nicer restaurants at the Zocalo and since we were in the middle of the main square we stayed there to celebrate (on both occasions).  Christmas in Oaxaca was very well spent and highly recommended if you have not been to Oaxaca go at least once during Christmas, you will enjoy it.