“Posada” can mean "inn" or, in this case, lodging. Las Posadas or una posada is the celebration of the birth of Christ, when Joseph and Mary searched for shelter or "posada". It is a nine-day celebration beginning December 16 and ending December 24. It is a yearly tradition and symbolizes the challenges which Mary and Joseph faced before finding a place to stay where Jesus could be born. It is based on a passage in the New Testament, the Gospel of Luke (2:1-9). Each night a different family hosts it and provides the food as well as location. The ritual begins with singing a song where half of the people are inside the house and half are outside. Those outside are requesting “posada” of those inside. The people inside then sing denying them entry. The song goes on for six verses and eventually the “santos peregrinos” – holy pilgrims – are let in. The rosary is then said, followed by a meal. The last “posada” is held at the church on December 24th and is followed by setting the Christ child in the manger – “arrullando al niño Jesús” – where each child would gives baby Jesus a kiss while he is lulled to sleep. Our Holy Eucharist follows. The night concludes with a feast of roast pig and other items and the breaking of piñatas.