A student presentation of a centuries-old Mexican holiday tradition ushers the spirit of the holiday season at Laredo Community College on Thursday, Dec. 1.
Students, faculty, staff and community are invited to share the joy of the holiday season during the fourth annual LCC Holiday Celebration and La Posada, which starts in front of the Yeary Library courtyard at 6 p.m.
Sponsored by the Nuestras Raices Spanish Club and the Student Activities Office at LCC, the celebration will begin with a brief presentation on the history of La Posada, followed by a procession reenacting Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem.
The Posada is a major Christmas tradition celebrated in Mexico.
A piñata party for children and traditional fare will be provided after the procession.
Admission to this cultural celebration is free of charge.
According to Mexican custom, the participants in the procession divide themselves into two groups: pilgrims and innkeepers. The pilgrims travel from inn to inn asking for shelter and are refused at each site until they finally reach a place where they are welcomed to stay.
There, the pilgrims rejoice and a party begins. Food and drink are served and then children take turns trying to break open a piñata in the shape of a star.
Spanish Club president Ulises Campus said that the whole event has a special meaning for the college student organization.
“Nuestras Raices is pleased to be able to present and preserve a tradition that the student members hold dear to their hearts,” said Campos. “The Spanish club is excited to educate students and the public about this special tradition, which is part of our identity and our roots as Latinos.”
In keeping with the tradition, La Posada will take place at the campus buildings which line the college’s main courtyard.
Those who attend also will be able to admire the sparkling holiday lights set up in the courtyard.
Students and community participate in song during last year’s procession of La Posada at Laredo Community College. This year’s event is on Thursday at 6 p.m. beginning in front of the Yeary Library courtyard.
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