For a town that’s changing so quickly, Healdsburg sure loves tradition. Whether it’s the second annual Merry Healdsburg or the 73rd annual Redwood Empire Invitational Basketball Tournament—or 100 years of Prune Packer baseball at Rec Park—this is a town that values and honors its history.
A new tradition could start this Friday night, Dec. 16, as Healdsburg Community Services and Corazón Healdsburg partner to bring Las Posadas to the Plaza for the first time—but possibly not the last. Las Posadas, which translates to The Inns, is a nine-day festival cycle between Dec. 16 and 24 that commemorates the biblical journey in search of safe refuge, where Joseph and Mary find shelter for the birth of Jesus. The story is that they ended up in a Bethlehem stable, where the birth was attended by barnyard animals, angels and magi.
This tale is given resonance in much of Mexico and some parts of the United States with an annual celebration that culminates on Christmas Eve. The celebration of Las Posadas differs regionally, but it usually involves a procession of Joseph, Mary and worshipers following a small child, dressed as an angel. Other children dressed in silver and gold robes carry lit candles, and musicians and adults follow the procession from place to place asking for lodging. At each stop, biblical passages are read, carols are sung and refreshments are offered.
Sounds pretty good so far…but wait, that’s not all. Since Hanukkah begins on Dec. 18 this year, the sponsors decided to recognize the Festival of Lights as well. “This year, the beginning of Las Posadas is close to the beginning of the Jewish festival Hanukkah, so we are bringing the two events together for a multicultural experience for our community,” said Mark Themig, the community services director.
This means the Jewish holiday will be celebrated in town this weekend too. Participants can learn about the importance of Hanukkah to the Jewish community, and enjoy traditional foods like latkes (from Chef Michael Degan), sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and gelt (chocolate money). Activities will include passing out candles—a ceremonial component of Hanukkah—telling the story of Hanukkah and its meaning, and the blessings over wine and bread.
As well as the foods served during Hanukkah, those associated with Las Posadas will be available, including pozole (thanks to Little Saint and community member Dora Ortega), tamales (Lola’s Market) and aguas frescas.
Car clubs, gift bags and toy giveaways, plus music by local quartet Maxima Frecuencia, will make the Community Posadas a lively and engaging event for multiple groups in Healdsburg, family-friendly and free.
Themig was cautious however about promising a joint Las Posadas/Hanukkah celebration next year, however. “Hanukkah falls on different dates each year, so that would be a consideration. Also, we need to see what kind of participation and feedback we receive… Given these considerations, I don’t think we can commit to this being an annual event, yet.”
This event is entirely free thanks to the support of Healdsburg Community Service, Corazon Healdsburg and its sponsors, the North Bay area car clubs, Little Saint, Lola’s Market and community donors.
Schedule:
| 4pm | Center Street closes at the Plaza |
| 5pm | Car Club Cruise begins at the Community Center, arriving at the Plaza at 5:30 for display |
| 5:30pm | Band “Maxima Frecuencia” performs (until 6pm) |
| 6pm | Celebration of Hanukkah |
| 6:15pm | Las Posadas |
| 6:45pm | Traditional Mexican and Jewish foods |
| 6:45pm | Gift Bags Giveaway, Toy Giveaway by the Car Clubs, Maxima Frecuencia returns to the stage |
| 8pm | Event concludes |
