La Posada is an annual Christmas celebration in Mexico, typically occurring between December 16 and 24. This year, the Unidos affinity group at La Salle held their own version on the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 17. 

Starting at 6 p.m., senior Kenya Ramirez began with a speech about what the Posada is and why it is celebrated. Tradition and Catholic Faith are brought together during this event, which is a cultural tradition, specifically among people of a Mexican background. Papers with the songs that are sung in Spanish at each stop along the way were handed out. These songs reflect the journey Mary and Joseph took requesting shelter at many different inns and being turned away until they are finally let into a barn. 

Typically during La Posada, people walk through their neighborhoods, visiting one house each night where they sing to go to the residents, requesting shelter in their song but being turned away, until the last night on December 24.

“The final night, the people would let them in and that ended up turning into a big celebration,” said Mr. Mario Garza, Counselor and Director of Equity and Inclusion. 

As a kid, Mr. Garza would celebrate the Posada with his family, and though he didn’t quite understand the significance of the celebration, he now enjoys taking his own kids to La Posada celebrations. 

At La Salle’s Posada, the Unidos group has activities like a piñata to appeal to the kids who participate. They also have a raffle to win a basket of surprise gifts, which provides fundraising for the affinity group as tickets are $5. 

The actual procession began at the front entrance of the school with half the group standing inside by the theater and the other half outside the glass doors. First a prayer was said, then the first song was sung, and the walk continued.

The next stop was the chapel, where they sang a second song in addition to the first, and repeated both for the rest of the stations. The group was still split — half in the chapel, half in the hallway.

The last stop was the cafeteria, where the final song was sung. At the end of the song, group members outside the doors were invited inside, representing Mary and Joseph finally being accepted to stay in the barn where Jesus was born. 

To close the ceremony, dinner was served, including chicken tacos and tamales.

In addition to celebrating tradition, Mr. Garza said La Posada reflects the core values of La Salle, one of which is respecting all persons. “Respecting persons is also respecting cultures,” he said. “Sharing aspects of your culture with others who don’t have that, I think is important.”

La Posada is a celebration that extends beyond just tradition. “It allows for the larger community to come together and learn about other people,” Mr. Garza said.