Traditions are a beautiful thing. Now that the lighting of the Menorah, making of Latkes and spinning of the dreidel has come and gone wth the passing of Hanukkah, it's time to introduce the kids to something new, Las Posadas. In Spanish, Las Posadas means "inns" or "shelters" and represents the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem and their search for shelter. Since the 1930's this lovely ceremony has been celebrated on Olvera Street in California. For nine nights, beginning December 16th, a candlelit procession winds through Olvera Street with the merchants leading the group singing traditional hymns and holiday songs (in both English and Spanish) stopping at different shops, each representing a posada where the group asks for shelter. Time and time again they are turned away, until finally the doors of their final stop are swung open and the pilgrims are allowed to enter singing. At that point, it's pan dulce and hot chocolate for all; pinatas are broken and music plays. What a wonderful event!! Processions start at the Avila Adobe at 7:30pm - don't be late!!
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