Our celebration of Christmas Latin American-style is just around the corner, coming to El Centro Milagro this Sunday from 1-5pm, and we couldn’t be more excited!

One of the most endearing and and traditional aspects of our event is the call-and-response “song at the inn”, which gives this holiday party its name: posada is Spanish for “inn”, and the song is traditionally performed by the guests on one side of the door or gate, and the hosts on the other, to get the event started. The lyrics are determined by the location of the singer, recreating the biblical story of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus: the pilgrims want in, the hosts aren’t too keen until they realize just who this unusual family is. The gates are open and the celebration can begin!

Another event typical of the season is the performance known as the pastorela, or shepherds’ pageant, which is an amusing reenactment of shepherds following the Star of Bethlehem, seeking the newborn Jesus. Hilarity typically ensues as emissaries from (and sometimes including or represented only by) the devil, attempt to divert, distract or deter the faithful’s trek.

These elements, along with traditional foods and decorations, make for a very colorful and entertaining event for the whole family. Join us this Sunday Dec. 14 for this joyous community celebration. It’s free and for the whole family!