This festivity re-creates the biblical story of Mary and Joseph searching for shelter as her childbirth drew near. Participants travel from house to house, asking in song to be allowed in. Typically children, dressed as Mary, Joseph, wise men and angels, lead the parade.
But they are denied admittance until the last place where they find a festive party, with food, music and treats.
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The celebration at Our Lady of the Pillar Catholic Church is already underway. It began Tuesday and continues daily at 6:30 p.m., through Dec. 23.
All of the OLP Posadas involve processions led by teens in costume as Mary and Joseph, and begin at different places. Tonight’s begins at 415 Grand Blvd. in Half Moon Bay, Thursday’s at the community building at the Main Street housing complex and Friday’s in Moonridge.
There will be no Posada on Saturday, but Sunday’s Posada will begin at 1585 Spinnaker Lane in Half Moon Bay, Monday’s takes place in the Hilltop mobile home park on Highway 92 and Tuesday’s at the Pillar Ridge Manufactured Home Community in Moss Beach. Wednesday’s Posada takes place at the Bell Building, with visitors from Oaxaca and piñatas for the children.
The Posadas hold meaning today, said organizer Lily Tejeda. “They’re so we can get younger people to participate and to get a feeling of what it was like back then, and to know the traditions,” she said.
For information, call OLP at 726-4674.
On Saturday, Dec. 19, Posadas will be held at the Main Street housing development in Half Moon Bay and on the South Coast.
The Main Street event begins at 6 p.m. at the community center, winds through the houses and returns to the center. The party will include traditional tamales, sweetbreads, the ponche made with fruits and cinnamon and atole, similar to hot cocoa.
“It’s a happy, family-driven celebration,” said Main Street Services Manager Jennifer Petrie.
Call 560-0197 for details.
The South Coast Posada sponsored by St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, the Pescadero Community Church and Puente de la Costa Sur, begins at 6 p.m. at St. Anthony’s and heads to the Pescadero Community Church. The party includes carols in Spanish and English sung by Pescadero residents and accompanied by church pianist Mark Binion.
Call 879-1691.
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