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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider Embassy of Mexico holds traditional 'Las Posadas'

Embassy of Mexico holds traditional 'Las Posadas'

Published Dec 29, 2024 02:00 am
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City Government of Makati Employees Choir entertains the guests with happy melodies.

The Embassy of Mexico in the Philippines recently hosted a celebration of Las Posadas, a cherished Mexican tradition observed from Dec. 16 to 24. The term posada, meaning "shelter" or "inn," embodies the values of community, hospitality, and unity central to the festivities.

In Mexico, during Las Posadas, communities come together to reenact the journey of the Holy Family, moving from house to house while singing a traditional folk song asking for shelter, or posada. Closely related to the local panunuluyan, they are turned away at each stop, symbolizing their journey’s hardships, before finally being welcomed into the last house, where the celebration begins.

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Lighting of the Roman candles with Makati City Hall’s Dwayne Samarista and Maria Concepcion Yabut with John Anthony Fernandez, Ambassador Daniel Hernandez Joseph, and members of the Mexican Community.

In addition to singing, another tradition that plays an essential role during the Las Posadas is the piñatas. Traditionally star-shaped with seven cones, the piñatas are filled with fruits and candies, just like the palayok in the Philippines. Often blindfolded, participants take turns trying to break the piñata. While often seen as a children's game, the piñata holds a deeper symbolism, representing that through hope, effort, and perseverance, challenges can be successfully overcome after which rewards are given, symbolized by the sweet treats.

The celebration concludes with a festive meal, where families and friends gather to enjoy traditional Mexican dishes such as tamales, atole, and ponche (fruit punch). This practice echoes the Filipino tradition, where families share special meals like bibingka and puto bumbong during Simbang Gabi.

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Blindfolded participants try to break the piñata.

Las Posadas not only reflects the cultural identity of Mexico but also embodies the universal values of hope, unity, and hospitality, which resonate deeply in both Mexico and the Philippines. This shared celebration highlights the enduring bond between our two nations, with common traditions that continue to unite us each year.

The Embassy of Mexico is honored to bring the traditional Mexican Las Posada to the Philippines and celebrate these timeless customs, which connect all through joy, community, and the spirit of the season.

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Kids snatch treats as much as they can from the broken piñata.
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Violeta Dominguez of the Embassy of Spain, Gabriel Rivera of the Embassy of Argentina, Fabricio Sordoni of the Embassy of Argentina, Migz Anzures, National Museum Director Jeremy Barnes, and Pedro Pizarro of the Embassy of Chile
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Ambassador Daniel Hernandez Joseph with Deputy Head Of Mission Daniela Gil Sevilla of the Embassy of Mexico (left), and members of the Mexican community lights the ceremonial candles (right).
 
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Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Civilian Security & Consular Affairs Jesus (Gary) S. Domingo with National Museum’s Director General Jeremy Barns

University of the Philippines Diliman Justin Alcantara and Embassy of Brazil Counsellor Gerson Cruz Gimenes
 

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