The Orange City library will launch its first Las Posadas celebration this year, at 10:00 am on December 10.  Las Posadas, literally “the inns,” is traditionally celebrated from December 16-24.  Each night, the community gathers for a procession to a designated house down streets lined with farolitos, or little lanterns.  The procession is led by a child dressed as an angel and two people dressed as Mary and Joseph.  Once at the house, the pilgrims pedir posada, or ask for shelter, by singing the Las Posadas song, La canción para pedir posadas.  Although the host refuses lodging, the pilgrims are invited in for food, a religious ceremony, and the breaking of a star-shaped piñata.

The library’s Las Posadas will adapt the traditional 9-night celebration into one event.  Participants will get a chance to dress up as Mary and Joseph and knock at the door of various stations around the library, singing the Las Posadas song.  Each station will have a craft or activity as well as a food or drink typically associated with Las Posadas.

Contact Anna with any questions at annab@orangecity.lib.ia.us or at 712-441-4943.