Las Posadas to return Dec. 16 in Perry
Hispanics United for Perry will hold its annual Las Posadas Celebration on Friday, Dec. 16 in Perry. The celebration will begin with an ecumenical church service at 6:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 1312 3rd St.
After the ceremony, participants will begin a procession and caroling down 2nd Street. A dinner of pork birria, rice and beans will be served following the procession at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 1100 3rd St. The Perry Public Library will host a story and activity time for kids. A free-will offering will be collected to support HUP scholarships for graduating high school seniors.
Las Posadas is a traditional Hispanic Christmas celebration that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for a safe place at the inn (posada) for the baby Jesus to be born. The holy couple travels from inn to inn, only to find each one full. Eventually, they are offered posada, or lodging, in a stable, where Mary gives birth to the baby Jesus. In celebration, participants walk through the streets of town carrying candles. Youths are chosen to play the role of Mary and Joseph and to lead the procession. The procession stops at various businesses to carol and ask for shelter. At the final stop, participants are invited inside to share a meal together.
The tradition of Las Posadas has been celebrated for centuries in Spain, Mexico and Central America. It is a popular festival and a time of expectant joy for celebrants to prepare their homes and lives for the Christmas miracle.
This article originally appeared on Perry Chief: Las Posadas to return Dec. 16 in Perry
