Las Posadas continue on Friday evening in Benque Viejo del Carmen

Photo Credit: Benque House of Culture/NICH

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Las Posadas which started on Thursday night continue this evening in Benque Viejo del Carmen.

Las Posadas are a religious commemoration of the difficulties Mary and Joseph had in getting lodging during their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem as Jesus was about to be born. As the story goes, when they finally got a place to stay it was in a stable where Jesus was born surrounded by animals.

In Benque, Las Posadas are celebrated by the Benque House of Culture/NICH from December 15 to December 24 yearly. However, Nalleli Yacab, Benque House of Culture (HOC)/NICH coordinator, said these are not the only Posadas. Yacab said that other Posadas are carried out in the different areas of Benque Viejo del Carmen by the Mount Carmel Church assemblies.

“The Joy and cheer of the Season, Benque Community Posadas 2022, procession starts at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church leading to the Centennial Memorial Park, immediately after the Mass,” said the Benque House of Culture/NICH in a social media post. That should be about 7:00 pm every evening.

Las Posadas take the form of a procession in which Mary and Joseph are followed by the townsfolk singing villancicos (Christmas carols) accompanied by live marimba and tambourines. Fireworks are the order of the day, should say night, as well. When they get to the home of the hosts of Las Posadas for that evening, Mary and Joseph ask (in song) for posada (lodging) which is denied.

The hosts for the evening normally provide snacks and refreshments for all.

On Thursday night children were treated to a gigantic piñata at Centennial Park.

On the final night, Las Posadas end at the Mount Carmel Church where Mary and Joseph are allowed in. La Misa del Gallo (The Midnight Mass) follows.

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