In Mexico, what are the nine-day Christmas street processions called?

In Mexico, the nine-day Christmas street processions are called Las Posadas.

Las Posadas takes place from December 16 through December 24 and reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging before Jesus’s birth. The Spanish word posada means “inn” or “lodging,” while the nine-day observance is a novena, a series of devotional gatherings.

Participants may carry candles, sing songs requesting shelter and visit designated homes. People dressed as Mary and Joseph, or images of them, lead the procession. At the final house, the group is welcomed inside for prayers, food and celebration. Star-shaped piñatas, Christmas carols and a fruit punch called ponche are common additions.

The tradition is associated with Augustinian friars near Mexico City and received authorization for Christmas masses in 1586. Los Reyes Magos refers to the Three Kings, while Las Pastorelas are Christmas shepherd plays; neither is the name of these nine-night processions.