3rd Annual Posada de la Hispanidad

The holiday season is all about traditions, many of which we don't understand or remember the origins or importance of. I'm not just talking about why Aunt Agnes insists on making fruitcake every year, or how "Jingle Bells" was actually written for Thanksgiving, but also the Posada de la Hispanidad. Sometimes referred to as the most delightful and unique Mexican holiday tradition, the Posada de la Hispanidad holiday is a nine-day celebration building up to Christmas Eve commemorating the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. Traditionally, children lead a procession through a neighborhood each night of the Posada, asking each house for a place for Mary and Joseph to stay and, inevitably, high jinks and merriment ensue. Where, oh where can you partake in this glorious festival completely free of card companies, the fat man in the red suit, and giant glowing costumes on Hennepin? Why, the Midtown Global Market, of course! The third annual celebration will delight, entertain, and inform adults and children alike: Learn folktales and the story behind the poinsettia, sing songs with live musicians, and go nuts on a traditional piñata.
Sat., Dec. 20, 12-7 p.m., 2008