Two Latino cultural holidays marking significant Christmas events will help launch the holiday season at Fresno State this week: “La Pastorela” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Satellite Student Union and “La Posada” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Thomas Building (Room 110A). Both events are free and open to the public. “La Pastorela,” presented by Teatro of Raza Towards Involvement in Local Latino Awareness (TORTILLA) at Fresno State, is an original play of El Teatro Campesino of San Juan Bautista. The bilingual screenplay is a parody based on the shepherds’ journey to Bethlehem, but with a twist. It uses satire to shed light on Latino issues such as chasing the American dream. Also performing will be Fresno State’s Los Danzantes de Aztlan and Fresno City College music major Adilene Fernandez. Public parking will be free for guests arriving from 6 to 7 p.m. in lots P1 (Shaw and Maple avenues), P5 and P6 (Woodrow Avenue). After 7 p.m., parking is $3 for a day permit from dispensers at the University Police Department on Barstow or in lot P6 (see map). “La Posada” (inn or shelter), hosted by the Cross Cultural and Gender Center, commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph as they traveled house to house to find shelter in Bethlehem for Jesus to be born. The event will include traditional refreshments, tamales, champurrado and pan dulce. INFO: For La Pastorela, TORTILLA president Jacqueline Medina at medina.jackie96@gmail.com; for La Posada, Ofelia Gamez, coordinator of Latino/a programs and services, at 559.278.4768.
