“The Night of Las Posadas” by Tomie DePaola.
G.P. Putnams’s Sons, New York, 1999, 32 pages, Grades 2-4.
Christmas is a beautiful holiday. On Dec. 25, Our Lord’s Birth is celebrated throughout the world. Many countries have special celebrations for Christmas. The United States, Canada and many northern European countries set up and decorate Christmas trees. Most countries have special music to welcome the Christ Child into the world. In Spanish speaking countries and the American Southwest, for nine days before Christmas, Las Posadas are enacted. The celebrated author/illustrator, Tomie DePaola has once again written and illustrated a beautiful story about Our Lord’s Life. The name of this lovely book is “The Night of Las Posadas.”
Sister Angie has directed the Las Posadas processions for many years. In fact, she has recently celebrated her Golden Jubilee as a consecrated sister. She tells her niece Lupe along with Lupe’s new husband Roberto what they must do in the processions. They are enacting St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary walking into Bethlehem on a cold night looking for a room. The Virgin is with Child and needs to get somewhere safe and warm in case the Baby Jesus is born. Together, they will walk around the city square and ask for a room at various inns (posadas). Unfortunately, there will be no room at the inns. In fact, two devils actually will answer the door and shout for the Holy Couple to leave. After much rejection, St. Joseph will find one inn that will let them in so that Jesus can be laid in the manger.
Troubles quickly arise however as Roberto’s truck dies on the way to town. In addition, snow begins to fall and there seems to be little hope that Lupe and Roberto are going to make it to town in time for the Las Posadas. While all of these problems are mounting, the local parish priest, Father Vasquez is wondering what has happened to the couple. The white bags with the lighted candles (farolitos) are lining the street. The people are playing the guitars and everyone is ready to sing and start the Las Posadas. But Lupe and Roberto are not there to play their roles of St. Joseph and the Blessed Mother. Suddenly, down the street comes a young couple. They are dressed like Saint Joseph and Mary. The beautiful young Lady is riding on a burro. St. Joseph tells Father Vasquez that his wife is about to have a Baby and that they will play the roles in the Las Posadas. The priest gratefully agrees and the Las Posadas begins. But there is something very unusual about this couple. No one can quite figure it out. The singing and processing start with everyone enjoying the night. But what ever happened to Lupe and Roberto?
Who are the two people dressed up as St. Joseph and Mary? Are they ever allowed to enter one of the inns? Do Lupe and Roberto arrive in town in time for the processions? Have you ever welcomed Our Lord into your life? Why is that such a wonderful thing to do? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this beautiful book, “The Night of Las Posadas,” by Tomie DePaola.
This is simply a well told and beautifully illustrated story of Las Posadas. Many English speaking people are unaware of this wonderful Christmas custom from Spain and Spanish America. Read this book with the younger members of your family and relish the experience. Even better, organize the Las Posadas at your parish. It is a superb way to teach your family about the Nativity. Enjoy!
