Families in Bingley have been welcoming Mary and Joseph into their homes – along with the donkey, in the days leading up to Christmas. The journey to Bethlehem is being recreated by All Saints church with a ‘posada’ – and small models of the Holy Family are visiting different homes in the area .
The Posada is a Spanish-Mexican tradition which has been developed with small figures and become popular in many parishes as a way of preparing for Christmas. During the evenings leading up to Christmas the figures of Mary, Joseph and the donkey go to different homes, on a rota basis, visiting a different family or home each night.
It’s an opportunity, says the church, to invite friends or family round to share the true meaning of Christmas, light a candle, sing carols or say a prayer.