Children who attend Carrillo K-5 Communication and Creative Arts Magnet Elementary will participate in the annual Las Posadas procession through the school’s neighborhood today.
“People of all ages continue to show up each year to be a part of this event because of the feelings it offers; the feelings of hope, peace and unity are overwhelmingly present,” she said. “Las Posadas is a solemn event with the re-enactment of Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay on Christmas Eve, yet it also brings joy to the students who participate in singing the age-old traditional songs and to those who have walked in their places when they attended Carrillo.”
Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. with mariachi music and folklórico performances. Food will be available for purchase. The procession will begin at 7 p.m. in the school’s courtyard, where each child’s role is described.
More than 30 children dressed in period clothes then walk through the neighborhood, joined by families, friends and community members. As they process through the historic Barrio Viejo neighborhood, they sing traditional songs accompanied by a guitar and horn players.
This is the 79th year the school has held Las Posadas. The Tucson Unified Governing Board recognized Carrillo’s role in cross-cultural public education at the Dec. 8, 2015, meeting with a proclamation celebrating the event.
To prepare for the procession, children have the opportunity to learn Spanish-language songs and study Spanish and Mexican culture. Principal Lori Conner says the Las Posadas event brings together students from past and present to honor and carry out an historical tradition at Carrillo.