This primarily Catholic event was jointly organized by Puente de la Costa Sur, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and the (Protestant) Pescadero Community Church to bridge different local faith communities.
Three adults donned indigo robes and golden crowns as wise men. Eight children put on white robes, feathery wings and halos.
 The South Coast Posada ended up at Pescadero Community Church on Saturday. Dozens of celebrants turned out to mark a tradition in the Latino culture. |
The procession stopped at houses where participants asked in song to be let in, only to be refused by unseen singers behind closed doors.
The first one belonged to Puente board member Nancy Raulston. “It’s nice to be a part of it,” she said. “I love watching how it’s grown.”
When the procession reached the Pescadero Community Church, the doors opened wide and the crowd streamed in for a traditional Posada liturgy, with Hail Marys and carols. Outside stood Rafael Navarrete, father of little angels, with the youngest (18 months) in his arms.
“We remember the days long, long ago when there was a real Mary and Joseph,” he mused.
Inside, minister Detlef Matthies thanked visitors for attending, and Puente director Kerry Lobel noted how the Posada “reflects pilgrims everywhere and we recall our (solstice) journey from darkness to light.”
Then everyone streamed back out to the parking lot for food and fellowship under lights and tissue decorations hand-cut by scores of Puente teens.
“It feels like I’m in a good Christmas movie,” said Puente volunteer Jim Brigham of Half Moon Bay.
“Parents give the tradition and can pass it to their children,” said Guadalupe Ramirez of Pescadero, who played Gaspar the wise man.
“It’s an honor and a pleasure to represent them, because they are loved throughout the world,” said Marcos Santacruz.
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