Las Posadas is a traditional Mexican festival which re-enacts Joseph's search for room at the inn. PowerPoint by Tracy King

Each Christmas season, a processional carrying a doll representing the Christ Child and images of Joseph and Mary riding a burro walks through the community streets.

Each night from December 16th through December 24th a party is held in a home in the neighborhood.

The people in the processional knock on the doors of the home and ask for shelter (imitating Joseph and Mary’s search for a room).

A great party follows with food, dancing and the breaking of the piñata.

A piñata is a fragile earthenware jar covered with paper mache, traditionally made in the shape of a star.

The piñata is shaped like a star to recall the one that so mysteriously guided the Three Kings to the newborn Jesus.