Las Posadas Party Planning in Chicago: Cold-Weather Setup

Las Posadas are nine nights, Dec 16 to 24, that remember Mary and Joseph's search for a place to stay. In Mexican and Mexican-American neighborhoods in Chicago, such as Pilsen and Little Village, and in suburbs with large Mexican communities, families, churches and neighbors take turns hosting. Each night has a procession, songs at the door, a piñata and food. Customs vary by region and by family, so use what fits your night. This guide covers the setup for a host who has the whole thing at home, in a hall or in a church parking lot, in a Chicago December.

The shape of the night

A posada flows in a certain order. Knowing it helps you plan space.

1. Gather and sing. Guests meet outside and carry candles or lanterns. Many families sing a traditional song, with some guests inside answering.
2. Come inside. The door opens after the song. Coats, hats and strollers need a place right away.
3. Prayer or reading, then the party. Some families keep this short for children.
4. Piñata. Kids go first, in age groups, and adults follow.
5. Food. Tamales, ponche and sweets. This is the longest part.

The outdoor part, in a Chicago winter

In Chicago, Dec 16 to 24 can be cold and dark early. Sunset is around 4:20 to 4:30 pm, so a procession at 6 or 7 pm is in full dark. Keep the walk short, and light it well.

• Route. A sidewalk, a gangway and a front stoop is plenty. A route around the block means a long wait for older guests. Check with your village, park district or building about processions, street use and sidewalks, and shovel and salt the path.
• Lights. Battery-powered lanterns and candles with covers are easier in wind than open flames. See lanterns and luminaries. Open flames and wind off Lake Michigan do not mix well.
• Heaters. If guests wait outside, a patio heater near the stoop helps. Propane heaters need fuel, which may not come with the rental, and they need clear space on all sides. Check rules for your location before using one. See patio heaters, how many per guests and heating rentals.

The indoor party

Plan for two zones, food and play. The piñata takes space. It needs a clear area of at least 10 to 12 feet across, a strong hook or a rope over a beam, and a ceiling that is high enough for swinging. Many families hang the piñata outside in good weather. In winter, a garage, hall or open basement is safer. Check ceilings and light fixtures before the party.

Tables and chairs

These are rules of thumb. Not everyone sits at once, because children run around and adults chat while standing. Always provide seats for older relatives, pregnant guests and anyone who cannot stand through a long night. Chairs with arms near the heat and the food are best. See comfortable chairs for older guests and how many chairs do I need.

Food: tamales, ponche and the rest

• Ponche is a hot fruit punch, often made with fruit, cane and spices. A large urn or a stockpot on a burner keeps it hot. Provide mugs, ladles and a spot for the cups. See coffee urns and hot drink stations.
• Tamales are often served by the dozen. A rule of thumb is 2 to 3 per adult at a party with other food. Hold them in a covered warming tray or a roaster. See tamale-making setup.
• Extras like buñuelos, fruit and bolo bags for children.

For 40 guests, a 6-foot food table with a skirt is enough for tamales and sides, and a second table for drinks. See buffet layouts.

What most hosts find out too late

• Nine nights means nine hosts. If you host just one night, tell your rental company which date. Dec 24 is a busy day for deliveries, and many companies close early. Ask for delivery Dec 22 or 23 if you host on Christmas Eve.
• Doors and stairs. Chicago two-flats and bungalows have narrow gangways. Measure before you order 8-foot tables.
• Coats pile up fast. A coat rack saves a bedroom. See coat racks.

Set up your posada night

Tell us the date, headcount and place, and we will check it with the rental companies and send one quote for chairs, tables, linens, heaters and more. Book a free 15-minute planning call or get a quote. One call covers the whole list.