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Christmas Posada & Courthouse Lighting Saturday, December 8thThe public is invited to participate in the exciting 24th annual Christmas Posada on Saturday, December 8, in one of two ways. All are encouraged to join the procession in the patio of the Pueblo Convention Center or to await the arrival of the procession at the County Courthouse. The Posada will begin with festive dancing by the Danzantes de Pueblo at the Convention Center at 3:30p.m., followed by the procession at 4:00 p.m. which proceeds to the steps of the Pueblo County Courthouse, arriving there at approximately 4t45 p.m. For those who prefer not to join in the procession, festivities at the Courthouse will include music by the Pueblo Choral Society beginning by 4:30 p.m. followed by a living Nativity when the procession arrives. The Posada is sponsored by Mariachi de Pueblo, 411 Youth Council, KNKN/KR[VD( Radio, Pueblo Choral Society, Danzantes de Pueblo, Pueblo Convention Center, Pueblo County Courthouse, Pueblo County Commissioners, City of Pueblo Police Department,, School District No. 70, School District No. 60, University of Southern Colorado, Sister Cities Commission, Engineered Systems Inc., DeHerrera Sound, and A-I Rental,The origin of this Mexican celebration dates from the 1550's. Catholic priests of the time were dismayed that their Indian converts still celebrated the birthday of their Aztec war god. The processions, songs and images can-led by the Indians during the celebration were solemn enough, but the Fathers felt it was not fitting to worship a war god during the Christmas season. Thus, the priests set out to teach, their converts the story of the birth of Christ. They deemed that more masses should be celebrated every day during the nine days leading up to Christmas. The Indians continued to march in processions during this time of year, but the figures they carried now represented Mary and Joseph. Though the manner of celebration may vary, the meaning of the Posada is always the same. The nine days before Christmas, which themselves are called "posadas," represent the nine-day journey Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem. Upon arriving they sought lodging (posada) but were turned away before finally being offered a place in a stable. The search for shelter is reenacted as our Pueblo procession, including live animals and citizens, makes its way from the Pueblo Convention Center down Main Street to the steps of the County Courthouse on 10th and Main Streets. Choral groups at stops along the way represent those being asked for lodging by the growing procession. Upon the procession's arrival at the Courthouse, a living Nativity is enacted. and a celebration in music and narrative takes place. Groups participating in the procession and entertainment include Mariachi de Pueblo, Pueblo Choral Society, 441 Youth Council, numerous School District No. 60 and No. 70 student choirs, the Guadalupe Dancers, and international greeters who express messages of good will as well as Christmas greetings in languages from their native lands. To close the program, there will be a traditional community singing of Gruber's Silent Night. The public is urged to attend. For more information contact Val Henderson, 543-77 Opening at Pueblo Convention Center Front Patio
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