There are many ways to celebrate the holidays, for the Latino community Las Posadas are very common celebration. It is a tradition that is observed in Mexico, and is well celebrated with Latinos in the U.S. The meaning of Las Posadas is “The Inn or Shelter”, in Mexico they observe it to reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter as they traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem during the days before Christ Jesus was born. It begins with a group of neighbors and friends who visit each other’s homes reenacting Mary and Josephs search for place to spend the night. A child dressed as an angel leads the procession, and people follow behind with lit candles.
Posadas can also be celebrated as a party, these parties are given every night for 9 nights during the celebration leading up to Christmas Day. On the 9th day everyone gathers at a specific house, where the situation of Mary and Joseph’s search is reenacted at the door of each room. Then on the stroke of midnight, the hostess of the house leads the actors to a table that has been prepared and the festivities begin. At these festivities a piñata is essential for the children, and it is in the shape of a star to represent the one that guided the three kings on that night. This is more of a community event, because in Mexico Christmas is more of a community event than a family one.
The most well-known community celebrated Posada in the U.S. is held in Los Angeles on Olvera Street.
If you are interested in how a posada is celebrated you should check out event that Milagro Theatre is hosting at El Centro Milagro to celebrate Posada Navideña.
Their event is next Sunday December 15th between 1 pm and 5 pm. The event will consist of music, dance, food and fun for the whole family. There will be performances of an original pastorela, live music by Cosecha Mestiza and a folkloric dance by Ballet Papalotl at 2 pm and 4 pm. In the afternoon there will be arts and crafts, storytelling and a piñata for all the kids
Admission is free, but performances are limited to ticket-holders only. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the theater at the beginning of the event. Guests are encouraged to bring donations of canned food for the Oregon Food Bank.
For more information contact Miracle Theatre Group or call 503-236-7253