The tradition of Las Posadas, or “the shelters,” is said to date back to the 16th century. Today it is sometimes celebrated with a nine-day religious and social event in December to re-enact Joseph and Mary’s difficult journey to Bethlehem and their search for shelter before the birth of Christ.
In Monroe, the festival won’t last nine days, but for a few hours today Las Posadas will be celebrated in traditional style with the tastes, smells and sounds of Central America.
Sponsored by the city’s parks department and the nonprofit Northwest Latinos United, this Las Posadas celebration includes traditional music and dance featuring the Diamante de Jalisco dancers.
Visitors can try posole soup, a traditional Mexican soup made with pork and hominy, hot chocolate and Ponche Navideno, a traditional nonalcoholic hot punch that looks like bubbling fruit salad.
And for the kids there are pinatas.
Las Posadas runs from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Frank Wagner Elementary, 115 Dickinson Road, Monroe. This is a free, all-ages event. For more information, call La Talpita, 360-794-0566.
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