For Maria Flores, Advent is a special time of year. It is a time of preparation for the coming birth of Jesus and for celebrating one of Flores’ favorite traditions, Las Posadas.
The Mexican tradition is a reenactment of the journey of Joseph and Mary to find a place for the birth of Jesus. It will be observed locally Dec. 16-24 at two Catholic churches, St. Vincent Pallotti, 2525 Westview Drive, and St. Francis of Assisi, 826 Cottonwood St.
Flores has been a “very active” member of St. Francis for 35 years. She plays the guitar and leads the choir, two essential talents in a Las Posadas.
“I enjoy it,” Flores said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Maria Flores, center, with friends at a Las Posadas
“Posada” is the Spanish word for “inn,” which Mary and Joseph were seeking. Instead, they ended up in a barn, with a manger serving as a crib, when no one accepted them. In a traditional Las Posadas, participants travel from one house to another and sing along the way. They aren’t invited into the first houses on the journey, but are welcomed at the last house.
Traditions at the last house include singing, food, and the breaking of a pinata with seven points representing seven sins. An emphasis is placed on the blessing of being together with family and friends–old and new.
“It’s about giving of ourselves,” Flores said.
Las Posadas gathering at a family home
Flores has lined up eight different addresses for the nine-day observance. The reenactments will begin at 7 each night Dec. 16-23 and end with a Midnight Mass at St. Francis on Christmas Eve.
Las Posadas also can be staged at a church or other facility. At St. Vincent, the majority of the reenactments will be held in the church’s Pan American Hall. They will begin at 6:30 each night and will include singing and refreshments.
The reenactments aren’t just for members of the sponsoring churches. Everyone is invited, and Flores said usually members of other churches, including other denominations, attend. Whoever attends is bound to be blessed by the hospitality and fellowship.
“We want joy,” Flores said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene
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