A posada is a religious celebration that starts on the sixteenth day of December and continues for nine consecutive evenings. It is a reenactment of the search for shelter for the birth of the baby Jesus. This tradition was brought to the New World from Spain.

The procession consists of Joseph, Mary and their followers, whom are singing hymns and praying the rosary. An important detail that many posadas include is the staff that Joseph carried which includes one flower and three buds representing the four seasons. The flowers are usually Halifax flowers. Some posadas will also include a priest in attendance.

The posadas were a wonderful celebration and way of educating young children about the birth of the baby Jesus.

The reenactment continues with the procession going to three different homes, the first two refusing them shelter and the third, allowing them in. At this last home, the celebration of finding shelter begins. A favorite drink served is usually hot chocolate along with other sweets and treats which sometimes include tamales.

A specialty served at some posadas is called "colaciones" which is a flour and sugar candy, bumpy in consistency and containing a consumable seed (such as mustard or anise) in the middle. A bola (which is a bag of goodies containing fruits and candies) may also be distributed at the culmination of the posada. Pinatas may also be a part of a posada celebration.

Traditionally, on the ninth evening (novena) the posada would end at city hall or at a local church, which is the tradition here in San Benito, Texas.