Hispanics United for Perry (HUP) will celebrate the annual Las Posadas procession and supper Friday, Dec. 16, beginning at 6 p.m. with an ecumenical church service at the First Christian Church at 1224 Lucinda St.
After the service, Mary and Joseph will proceed along Second Street, caroling and seeking shelter. A dinner of pork birria, rice and beans will be served starting at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church at 1100 Third Street.
A free will offering will be collected to support HUP scholarships for graduating Perry High School seniors.
Las Posadas is a traditional Hispanic Christmas celebration that re-enacts Mary and Joseph’s search for a safe place at the inn (posada) for the baby Jesus to be born. The holy couple travels from inn to inn, only to find each one full.
Eventually they are offered posada, or lodging, in a stable, where Mary gives birth to the baby Jesus. In the celebration, participants walk through the streets of town carrying candles. Youths are chosen to play the roles of Mary and Joseph and lead the procession.
The procession stops at various businesses, caroling and asking for shelter. At the last stop, participants are invited inside to share a meal together.
The tradition of Las Posadas has been celebrated for centuries in Spain, Mexico and Central America. It is a popular festival, a time of expectant joy for celebrants to prepare homes and lives for the Christmas miracle.
The Las Posadas celebration is made possible by donations from Casa de Oro, El Buen Gusto, El Rey Meat Market, Fareway, Hy-Vee and Tyson Fresh Meats. Additional assistance is provided by Raccoon Valley Bank and the Perry Public Library.
HUP extends a special thank you for the assistance and support of the congregations of First Christian Church and First United Methodist Church.
All proceeds from the Las Posadas dinner are used to support the scholarships awarded by HUP to graduating seniors. To make a contribution to the HUP scholarships, mail contributions earmarked for HUP to Daniel Rivera, Raccoon Valley Bank, 1202 Second St., Perry, IA 50220.
