las posadas en pasada

What does this mean? My attempt to play with words in Spanish. Literally translated, if I am correct, it means: posadas past. These photographs are of one of the nine nights leading up to December 25, called the posadas. They were taken in the past in my "hood", Colonia San Antonio. That explains: the pasada  or past part of the headline.

The word "posadas" means inns. The nine nights are a reenactment of Joseph and Mary seeking shelter. They try various inns and are refused...leading finally to the place in the manger. Each night pilgrims knock on doors in the Colonia. They are refused and finally one of the neighbors welcomes them  Everyone rushes into the home for a celebration with song, food and drink, and breaking of the pinata. That's the short version: here are a few longer ones http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Las_Posadas   or  even better, try here http://www.nacnet.org/assunta/nacimnto.htm

As for the photos, last night the posadas began for this year, They were greeted with cold, dark, and pouring rain. I chickened out but tonight and on several nights, I intend to follow the crowd. If I have the courage, I will attempt to go into one of the houses. Stay tuned.