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NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The New Haven Green will be the site of a popular cultural Christmas celebration Saturday, Dec. 14, with hundreds of area residents expected to take part in a “Posada” sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

A Posada is a traditional, family-oriented Christmas event popular in Latin America. Combining readings and dramatic reenactment, the Posada (the Spanish term for “inn”) recounts the story of the first Christmas, when Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem but found no room at the inn. The Posada tradition was developed by Franciscan missionaries centuries ago as a means of explaining and celebrating Christmas. It remains popular throughout Central America, Mexico and the southwestern United States.

There will be musical entertainment children’s activities, a petting zoo and piñatas, as well as food and craft vendors, from 12-6 p.m., with the procession beginning at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and families are encouraged to attend.

“The tradition of the Posada helps us to remember the first Christmas in a way that unites people of faith from throughout the American continent,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. “This event will bring together people of many cultures highlighting the fact that faith and the celebration of Christmas transcend any differences we may have.”

The Knights of Columbus was founded as a fraternal benefit society at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven in 1882. The organization counts more than 1.8 million members worldwide and last year Knights donated more than $167 million and 70 million hours to charitable causes.

Conduct a Posada in your community

The Posada is a traditional Christmas celebration that Franciscan missionaries developed in America with the goal of introducing the faith. It continues to be popular throughout the southwestern United States and all of Latin America and is a rich tradition for Knights and their families to share.

The Christmas Posada expresses perfectly the suspense and surprises of the season. It is a prayer, a play, a party and a gathering for families, parishes and whole communities. It is a celebration that children and adults can enjoy together, as well as those from all different cultural backgrounds.

Even if you are not familiar with the Christmas Posada, the Knights of Columbus invites you to join this ancient observance that will open for you the deeper meaning of a joyful season. To help you understand the tradition, the Order offers the booklet The Posada: An Advent & Christmas Celebration (#9898-E,S).

Through distribution of this booklet, the Order hopes to bring the rich Posada tradition to all Knights and their families as a way of encouraging a sharing of cultures in the Americas around the celebration of the birth of our Savior. This booklet provides all that is needed to conduct a Christmas Posada with your family and your Knights of Columbus council. Copies of the booklet can be viewed in digital format, downloaded or ordered by using a Requisition Form (#1) and mailing it or faxing it to the Supply Department.