Las Posadas begins Dec. 16 in Woodville

Dolores Herrera continues to keep the local tradition of Las Posadas going, honoring the promise she made to her parents, specifically her mother Leonarda Trujillo, many years ago.

“Ever since she passed away in 1985, I have been doing this,” Herrera said.

Las Posadas is an annual religious Christmas-time tradition that commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph into Bethlehem. The tradition, celebrated in Mexico since 1538, is observed annually by many people of Mexican descent in the United States.

In villages and neighborhoods throughout Mexico, young children will gather to commemorate the journey and travel from home to home in search of lodging in a posada — an inn.

The roles of Joseph and Mary will be portrayed by Natalie Carranza, 10, who attends Strathmore Elementary, and Jiovanni Trujillo, 7, who attends Pleasant View Elementary. They will be denied shelter as they sing, but as they continue singing and praying, they will eventually be let into the home and offered refreshments.

The tradition is celebrated by all of Herrera’s family, who walk along the streets singing and praying. The stops portraying the inns are the homes of family and friends.

Las Posadas is a tradition that has lasted many decades in Herrera’s family. Herrera’s mother, Leonarda Trujillo, participated in Las Posadas all her life, as did her parents, and so on, for generations.

The journey begins Dec. 16 and continues for nine days, ending on Christmas Eve, when they are finally allowed

lodging. Prior to that, they hear “No Posada” again and again.

Herrera wanted to thank all of the participating families for opening up their homes and participating in Las Posadas this year.

The Las Posadas journey will start around 4 p.m. every night near that night’s lodging point from Dec. 16–24, and Herrera said anyone is welcome to join.

The nine Las Posadas stops will be:

Dec. 16 – 16574 Avenue 166, Woodville

Dec. 17 – Corner of Avenue 166 and Monroe Road, Woodville

Dec. 18 – 1611 Oak Ave., Woodville

Dec. 19 – Road 196 and 195, Plainview

Dec. 20 – 15485 Magnolia Road, Porterville

Dec. 21 – Avenue 145 and Tobias Road, Poplar

Dec. 22 – 14531 Road 191, Poplar

Dec. 23 – 14650, Road 190, Poplar

Dec. 24 – 19157 Avenue 148, Poplar