Processions of Peace : Community Groups Celebrate 9 Nights of Yuletide Posadas

Hundreds of people throughout Orange County will take to the streets tonight, candles in hand, to celebrate the first evening of Las Posadas.

The tradition, celebrated in many Latin American countries, re-creates the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem before Christ’s birth. Traditionally, Southland celebrants take part in a procession each of the nine nights before Christmas, singing carols, asking for shelter at various stops along the way and capping the festivities with Mexican sweet breads, thick hot chocolate, a Mass, a pinata, music and other entertainment.

Although a tad early for the traditional nine-day observance, more than 300 people staged the event Thursday night in Fullerton.

They walked about a mile from the Valencia Community Center to the Maple Senior Multi-Service Center, where Aztec dancers, a band and a pinata raffle awaited them. Children, dressed in colorful ponchos and dresses, led the procession, carrying a Nativity scene and singing Christmas carols.

“That was a long walk,” 10-year-old Edith Torres said. “I can imagine how tired Mary and Joseph got.”

Jose Becerra, 44, said he takes his children to the event each year because it reminds him of Mexico, where he lived before coming to the United States 23 years ago.

“My kids have never been to Mexico, and they need to be here to learn about their heritage,” he said. “It’s something that is so rooted in our culture that I want my kids to know about it.”

Rosemary Castro, one of the organizers in Fullerton, said the event instills pride in the culture and brings neighbors together.

Officials from Project SABADO (Santa Ana Broad-based Alcohol and Drug Organization), a nonprofit group aimed at preventing alcohol and drug-related problems in Santa Ana, have been staging Posadas each night since Monday and plan a procession tonight to promote unity as well.

Organizers, who are expecting a least 250 people to join tonight’s procession, said their goal is to promote a sense of community.

“What we want is for the residents to unite through this cultural experience,” said Radon Lopez, of Project SABADO.

Several residents throughout the county also will celebrate with Posadas at their homes, including Rosa Sarabia of Fullerton. She is inviting people to come to her home and celebrate with her. “It’s too important a tradition that must not die,” Sarabia said.

The public is invited to participate in Las Posadas celebrations with Project SABADO, which will begin and end at the Corbin Community Center, 2215 W. MacFadden Ave. in Santa Ana at 6 p.m. today, and Sarabia’s home, 4300 W. Flower St. in Fullerton, at 7:30 p.m. today through Dec. 23 and at midnight on Christmas Eve.

Other locations where the public is invited include St. Boniface Church, 120 Janss St., Anaheim, Dec. 23 at 5 p.m.; Our Lady of Pilar Church, 1622 W. 6th St., Santa Ana, at 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 541 E. Central Ave., Santa Ana, at 6:45 p.m. today through Dec. 23.