Tradition of Las Novenas (Teresa)

The nine evenings of "Las Novenas" are celebrated here and throughout Latin America.  This tradition, with some similarities to the Las Posadas tradition in Mexico (that we experienced in south Texas), is a reenactment of the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph in their search for lodging.  Each evening a mass is held, children are chosen to portray the Christmas story characters, and then the children (dressed as Mary and Joseph, shepherds, angels, etc.) lead the procession from the church to the location of the party.  As the group processes a priest leads the group in singing Christmas carols. Before the party begins, Mary and Joseph place the baby Jesus in the nativity, and then all enjoy hot chocolate, sandwiches, and bags of candies (for children).

Each evening local businesses take turns hosting the Holy Family and the party for the community.  Banks, schools, stores, public services, all join in to host these festivities.  This hosting is called "El Pase del Niño" (Passing of the Child) as they actually pass a baby Jesus doll from place to place each evening.  The idea being that every place and every person must be prepared for the arrival of Jesus.

Our family was involved in "Las Novenas" for two evenings in a row.  Ashanti was asked to be Mary, and Luisa asked to be a shepherdess for both nights; last night's party was hosted by the bank where Ashanti's aunt works, and tonight's hosted by the electric company where Pablo and Yolanda work.  There is much beauty in this tradition and the sense of communal preparations for the arrival of Jesus.  It's also lots of fun for the whole family, unless the fighting for candy gets out of hand!  Because we're so accustomed to keeping church traditions separate from the secular realm, the idea of businesses "Passing the Child" and hosting a church party is foreign to us.  But since the culture here is still predominately Catholic (though this is changing) this combination seems to work.  At the same time I've heard some critics among local residents, pointing out that some folks only show up at church once a year, when their organization is hosting the party for Las Novenas.  Yes, there are always complex issues to think about.  And yes, we join in preparing our hearts and homes for the coming of Emmanuel, God with us, in every part of life!