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Nov 28, 2011 | Bárbara Yáñez-Smith

Salado's Community Posada Slated for December 3

Salado PosadaOne of Salado’s newest Christmas traditions, the community posada, actually had its roots 15 years ago as a learning experience for my students enrolled in a Spanish language course.

 

I wanted to take my students beyond the school setting and involve them in a cultural event.  I asked my students if they knew someone with knowledge about Spanish cultural traditions and one volunteered her grandparents, Lucy and Rudy Rivera. 

 

The Riveras graciously agreed to visit all my classes and discuss the tradition of the Mexican Quinceañera.  The Riveras were natural teachers commanding instant respect from the students.  At the end of the day, they extended an invitation to one of their annual posadas. Going door-to-door like carolers, the Spanish posada recreates the travels of Mary and Joseph seeking a place to rest.

 

I mentioned the posada to my friend Tyler Fletcher in Salado. It was Advent and we were looking for youth-oriented activities for St. Joseph Chapel’s Youth Group. He accompanied me to the posada to learn more.

 

After the rosary, we gathered outside the Riveras’ home to begin our reenactment of the biblical story of Mary and Joseph. Rivera played his guitar and sang the outside part of the para pedir posada song and his grandson played the inside part as we walked along asking for a place to rest.  This side of town does not have street lights making the candles we carried all the more brilliant in the night. When we returned to the house, the pungent aroma of cinnamon and hot chocolate awaited. We said our goodbyes feeling that this experience had transformed us.

 

Last year the youth group and sponsors decided to reinforce the Christian meaning during the first weekend of the Salado Christmas Stroll by hosting a community-wide posada.  They graciously invited our Spanish Club to walk along asking for a place to rest. The youth group played the roles of Mary and Joseph, carrying a cross and banners. Pedro Quirino, a local therapist, played the Spanish guitar and the students sang.

 

Almost 200 high school students and their families participated posada.  The finale was held at Saint Joseph’s Episcopal Chapel where hot chocolate and tamales were served and the group broke piñatas.

 

 

Salado’s community posada, Christmas 2011

Join us for this tradición cristiana el día 3 de diciembre 2011

 

6-9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3

Salado’s Main Street

 

How:     The posada will start at the Ruins of Salado College on Main Street and proceed north to the first lodging – a historic home and office of local dentist, Doug Willingham.  The second lodging is the old log cabin that is home of the Salado Chamber of Commerce.