WHO:  Among the dozens of activities and performances filling the 30-day Christmas Traditions festival is the Spanish heritage jewel "Las Posadas."  The traditional story of Mary and Joseph's journey, and their search for lodging is reenacted in a ten-block procession of carolers, historic characters, the Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum Corps and hundreds of visitors participating in the Christmas music.  Guests are invited to bring lanterns; candles are available for purchase from the Flower Girls prior to the event.  The Las Posadas evening finishes with a ceremonial lighting of a special Yule Log, and this year the evening will conclude with a multicultural choir performance from the Jaycee stage.

WHAT:  Traditionally a nine-day celebration started in Spain, Las Posadas is symbolic of Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem, and their search for shelter prior to the birth of Christ.  In English, Las Posadas literally translates to "the inns" or "the shelters."  Dating back to the sixteenth century, the symbolic reenactment begins as the procession of the village families, called pilgrims, are led by children and followed by adults and musicians to seek shelter for the night.  The pilgrims travel to a different "host" home in the village each of the nine nights, looking for lodging and carrying small lit candles.  They are turned away from many homes before finally finding refuge.  Upon entering their destination, the families pray together and sing.  Their prayers are followed by joyous celebration.

WHERE:  Procession begins in the 1000 block of South Main Street and ends in Frontier Park.

WHEN:  Saturday, December 4 at 6 p.m.

ALSO:  Join us for a beautiful re-enactment of the Spanish tradition of Las Posadas (see list of 2010 cast members provided below).  Process down South Main with Mary and Joseph as they look for room in the Inn, and enjoy our retelling of the Christmas Story in narrative and song in Frontier Park.  Watch as the St. Charles Christmas Tree is lit, and sing Carols around the Yule Log bonfire.  For further information, visit the festival online at www.stcharleschristmas.com or call the tourism office at 636-946-7776.

 
Las Posadas Cast:
Kaelen Carrier (Mary)
Drew Carrier (Joseph)
Abel Carrier (baby Jesus)
Jim Phillips (wiseman)
John Dubois (wiseman)
Dave Rousseau (wiseman)
Isabelle Boschert (little angel)
Isabella Burgdorf (little angel)
Drew Simon (little shepherd)
JJ Simon (little shepherd)
Shanon Dooley (angel)
Frank Olmstead (Narrator)
Milicia de San Carlos
Fife and Drum Corps
Mayor York
 
Procession Stops:
Boone's Lick Inn
Newbill-McHaney/Mimi Jackson's
Mother In Law House
Main Street Books