Una Noche de Las Posadas

Las Posadas (The Inns) commemorates Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem and their nine-day search for shelter as it was once celebrated in Early California. Una Noche de Las Posadas, a one-night version of the celebration, begins with traditional Spanish holiday songs performed in the candlelit Presidio Chapel by El Coro del Real Presidio de Santa Bárbara. Guests are invited to join the choir in a procession led by children portraying an angel, Joseph, and Mary, along with their small burro as they stroll and sing their way to State Street and into De la Guerra Plaza. The procession ends at Casa de la Guerra as Joseph and Mary finally find shelter and attendees enjoy more singing, traditional refreshments, and the breaking of a holiday piñata. This cultural holiday tradition was brought to Santa Barbara by its early Spanish and Mexican settlers and is still observed throughout many Latin American communities.

SBTHP thanks The Towbes Foundation and The Outhwaite Foundation for sponsoring the 2018 Una Noche de Las Posadas. We also thank Los Agaves Restaurant for generously providing the food for this event.