The previous day, a parade similar to this one passed under our hotel window. We were alerted to the parade by the various instrumentals marching along, this time drums. The parade the day before had a much more complete marching band with them. This parade passed by the corner near the hotel moving along the cross street, but we knew to investigate the sounds of a parade to see what was going on!

At last, the long promised picture and write up about the Posada parade we saw twice in Antigua. On the nine nights before Christmas, churches, families or friends reenact the Holy Family's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. They are pre-arranged, in that they stop at various doors around town and refused a place more than once, when at last arriving at their destination, they are granted refuge for the night. As far as the parade is concerned, this granted refuge means treats and a special warm punch. Note in this picture, there are candles contained within lantern type frames covered with various colors of cellophane. I will also attempt to attach a picture of the float that this particular group had.