‘Tis the Season to Remember

Las Posadas is the recounting of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem, depicted in candlelight processions during the Christmas season. Perhaps the largest is the Pasadena Posada, at which about 7,000 people make the march each year to raise money for the San Gabriel Valley’s AIDS Service Center.

On Saturday, pre-posada activities begin at 2 p.m. with a marketplace, where artisans and others sell art, clothing and jewelry on the lawn of All Saints Church, 132 N. Euclid Ave. At 4 p.m. are a meditation and signing of a commemorative Posada/Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt panel.

Actor Meshach Taylor(of “Dave’s World”), Miss U.S.A. Frances Louise Parker and Christina Gonzalez, reporter with KTTV Fox 11 News are among the speakers scheduled at opening ceremonies at 5 p.m. Performances along the route include the Michigan Avenue Jazz Band, the Pasadena Youth Symphony, Danza Yankuititl and Cheremoya dancers. The two-mile candlelight procession begins (at 5 p.m.) and ends at Pasadena City Hall. Free, sponsors are encouraged. (800) 376-7232.

On Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m., Casa de Adobe, 4605 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, holds its Las Posadas, led by the ensemble Partari. Pinata breaking and refreshments (such as pan dulce). $2. Reservations required: (213) 221-2164.