Church Announces Hispanic Christmas Celebration 'Las Posadas'

OAK FOREST, IL — The Hispanic celebration of Las Posadas, the biblical journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, will take place at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Oak Forest this year, church officials told Patch.

While the tradition normally spans nine days leading up to Christmas, churchgoers will only meet once the Saturday before Christmas, Dec. 18, for the parade and subsequent party.

"Las Posadas commemorates the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to the baby Jesus," a spokesman for the church said in a statement. "We, too, will travel the streets of Oak Forest with Mary and Joseph and their donkey, singing all the way, in search of a place that will welcome them."

Officials encourage all those from the community to join them on the parade as they knock on multiple doors during the reenactment, finally landing on a place that will provide "Posada," or housing.

The event begins Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. and will include a special appearance from the mariachi band Cielito Lindo, food, drinks, dancing and a piñata. Children are especially encouraged to attend as a church spokesman said the celebration will be full of singing and audience participation.

The event is free and open to the public, though masks will be required indoors.