LAS POSADAS
When: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17
Where: Begins at corner of North First and Cedar streets. Guests remain in their vehicle and drive the route. 
Stops:
Abilene Public Library
Minter Park
The Grace Museum
Music: At each stop, guests can tune in to La Voz 93.3 FM to hear traditional posadas songs. 
FIESTA NAVIDENA
When: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, following the Las Posadas processional
Where: Drive-through event at the Elks Art Center 1174 North First St.
Details: Music, entertainment, lights
Sponsor: Cultura Local ABI

By LORETTA FULTON

Music and more music will highlight two events Thursday, Dec. 17, in downtown Abilene.

Las Posadas, a traditional Latin American event, will be a little different this year as participants will drive the route instead of walking. Cars will line up at the corner of North First and Cedar streets beginning at 6 p.m. At each of the tree stops on the route, guests can tune tin to La Voz 93.3 FM to hear traditional posadas songs. 

At the end of the vehicle procession, everyone is invited to the Elks Art Center, 1174 North First St., for a drive-through Fiesta Navidena. The event will include music, lights, and entertainment. The first 300 vehicles will receive posada treats and Fiesta Navidena bags. 

Traditionally, the nine-day Las Posadas culminates on Christmas Eve. The event commemorates the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe place for Mary to give birth to Jesus. 

Participants normally walk from one stop to the next in search of a “posada” or inn where Mary can give birth. At each stop, they are turned away until a manger is found in a barn at the last stop. At each stop, they sing traditional posadas songs as they ask for lodging