Las Posadas collection

Las Posadas is a cultural tradition influenced by Christianity. It is a re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s pilgrimage from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where Christ was born. This religious tradition based on the New Testament began in Spain, and was adopted in Mexico in the mid to late 1500’s by friars who looked to strengthen Christian beliefs and attract converts within the Aztecs. The original procession took nine days, each day representing a month of Mary’s pregnancy with Jesus, and began nine days before Christmas.

In 1937, Miss Marguerite Collier, a teacher at Carrillo Elementary School initiated the enactment of “Las Posadas” as a way to build pride amongst her Hispanic students. It has since then been her legacy to the school and the community, as the procession of costumed children singing Nativity songs has continued for over 75 years. Despite its controversial religious nature, the school has been able to continue the celebration making it an after school activity and not using school district funding. Important community collaboration has been incorporated throughout the years and has gained sponsorship from organizations such as the Tucson Festival Society and the DeGrazia Art & Cultural Foundation.

Throughout the years the procession has been held in the evenings in the historic Barrio El Hoyo where the school is located, and has included dramatization, caroling, and food, all organized by the school’s staff, students and community collaborators. The enactment consists of students dressing up as Mexican farmers and winged angels, and walking door-to-door asking for shelter or posada, while carrying candles and a Nativity scene. The children sing traditional carols, usually in Spanish, down the streets, which are blocked off. Community members are encouraged to join in since it is a free public event.