The History and Traditions of La Posada | Desert Botanical Garden

OPEN DAILY 8 A.M.|7 A.M. FOR MEMBERS WED. & SUN.

A Mexican holiday tradition is returning to the Garden and adding an extra layer of magic to Las Noches de las Luminarias on Dec.18.

La Posada will transport Garden visitors to Mexico, where it is celebrated, as they make their way through the Garden with singing processions, traditional food and beverage and ending with the breaking of piñatas.

The celebration, also known as posada (Spanish for inn or lodging), is a religious festival celebrated in Mexico that commemorates the journey Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe place to stay where Mary could give birth to Jesus. The tradition is celebrated over multiple days between Dec. 16 and Christmas Eve, and features a procession of carolers lead by a small child dressed as an angel, as well as food, warm drinks and piñatas.

Posadas first started in Mexico as a way for Spaniards to share Christmas traditions with native people. Over the years, Mexican households and neighborhoods adopted the tradition to spread holiday cheer.

The Garden is celebrating in a more intimate scale with three singing processions that start at Ottosen Entry Garden. There will also be traditional food. And don’t forget to stop by Boppart Courtyard to break open piñatas. 

Experience the Mexican tradition of La Posada at the Garden surrounded with thousands of hand-lit luminarias, twinkling lights and the chilly Sonoran Desert.

 Tickets must be purchased in advance here. Don’t delay! Tickets are selling fast.

La Posada and Las Noches de las Luminarias is generously supported by the Arizona Office of Tourism.

ADVANCE TICKET RESERVATIONS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR MEMBERS AND GENERAL PUBLIC
Dec. 13-15: Last Garden entry is 3 p.m. The Garden will reopen at 5:30 p.m. to Las Noches de las Luminarias ticket holders.