Las Posadas (Hispanic)

Description: A review of the Hispanic Las Posadas tradition. A description can be found here: http://www.secaucus.org/oursaviour/lasposadas.html

Las Posadas is a traditional 9 day celebration in which we recount Mary and Joseph’s journey and trials (due to the census of Caesar Augustus) when they were trying to find lodging to give birth to Jesus back in Bethlehem. The pilgrim participants in this event might wear costumes in which some dress as Joseph and Mary. Candles are carried at this night celebration, and there are songs and prayers said before and after each house that Mary and Joseph try to gain entry in. Of course, they are refused entry until the FINAL house. –A shortened version is also common in some areas (e.g. busy college campuses), where the Las Posadas tradition can be celebrated in a single night.

Summary: The assigned reading really seemed to touch on the Mexican immigrant experience. The article discusses how best to convey faith belief and tradition to this ethnic group, one who already brings such as wealth of tradition and belief that is different from the typical American Catholic practice. The article touches on some very real concerns within the Hispanic population, such as how to respect diversity and how to help empower the Hispanic people into their own leadership roles in the parish and larger faith community.

The “immigrant experience” is not necessarily an experience I truly identify with being of a later generation of Hispanic American. This is not to say I do not identify “somewhat”. I am an immigrant here in Chicago, coming from San Antonio, TX. Before this, I was an immigrant to Bentonville, AR working for the HQ of the company everybody loves to hate…“Wal-Mart”. In each and every place I have moved to, I have experience a different set of subtle cultural differences…and have myself had to adapt to the “norm” while still maintaining my own uniqueness that I brought with me. –This, I think, is the struggle that is conveyed in the article…and that is lived out daily by the newly immigrant Hispanic Population. So, as one can imagine, the Las Posadas tradition is a very special tradition. One, in which only those who have ventured far from where they were born and grew up might appreciate.

When I was an undergraduate at the University of Texas at San Antonio Las Posadas was a particularly memorable tradition we did in our Campus Ministry. It was a much shortened version, as in 1 night we would go to the student apartments and visit several homes and run through several “planned” rejections….before arriving at the house that would let us in. That is, let Mary and Joseph in. Afterward, we would enjoy some Mexican hot chocolate and snacks together of course! ---But the true point I think, is that it made our Catholic campus community stronger. We bonded with one another, and had the great opportunity to reflect on the Gospel.

I’ll end with the understanding that many of you might still not have a picture of what the heck I am talking about in trying to describe Las Posadas! But that’s OK. Perhaps at the very least, I have sparked some sense of curiosity. One that will hopefully in the future bring you to experiencing this truly FUN tradition for yourself in-person... –Happy Easter everyone!