Aurora church to stage traditional Posada
Submitted by Al Benson
A Posada, a Hispanic tradition re-enacting Mary and Joseph’s biblical search for lodging, will be staged in Aurora’s near-East Side neighborhood at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15.
A procession will leave and return to Fourth Street United Methodist Church, 551 S. Fourth St. in Aurora.
Other church partners staging the production are New Hope Lutheran Church and Iglesia Luterana Nueva Esperanza, congregations that shares worship space at Fourth Street UMC.
Jill Orr of Aurora, Posada director, said costumed actors portraying angels will guide a procession of pilgrims as they travel from house to house asking shelter for Mary and Joseph. Four residences and a grocery store in the church area will be visited.
At each location, the residents will turn away the visitors. On returning to the church, an innkeeper will show Mary and Joseph to a stable set up on the church lawn. Narrators will read the biblical Christmas story in English and Spanish.
During the procession, a carol singalong will be held in the church sanctuary for those who do not choose to walk on the pilgrimage.
A light meal and a piñata for children will conclude the event.
Cast members are Allyson Carter, Jeremy Cotto, Dayanara Herrera, Maria Macias, Mildred Marreio, Alex Martin, Cindy Pittsford, Stephanie Smith, Maribel Torres and Sarah Torres.
Orr said, “The tradition of the Posada helps us to remember the first Christmas in a way that unites people of faith from throughout the American continent.
“This event will bring together people of many cultures, highlighting the fact that faith and the celebration of Christmas transcend any differences we may have.”
A Posada is a traditional, family-oriented Christmas event popular in Latin America. Combining readings and dramatic re-enactment, the Posada (the Spanish term for “inn”) recounts the story of the first Christmas, when Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem but found no room at the inn.
The Posada tradition was developed by Franciscan missionaries centuries ago as a means of explaining and celebrating Christmas. It remains popular throughout Central America, Mexico and the southwestern United States.
Call (630) 897-5257 for more information.