Two Latino cultural holidays marking significant Christmas events will help launch the holiday season at Fresno State on Monday, Dec. 7, starting with “La Posada” from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Thomas Building (Room 110A). The 23rd annual presentation of “La Pastorela” will begin at 7 p.m. at the Satellite Student Union.
Both events are free and open to the public.
“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. Latinos worldwide celebrate “Las Posadas” as part of their culture, said Ofelia Gamez, coordinator of Latino/a programs and services at Fresno State.
“These popular festivities bring people together that gather to share traditional dishes, beverages and the folklore of their own culture,” Gamez said.
The event will include traditional refreshments, tamales, champurrado and pan dulce. Guests can also get VIP tickets for the “La Pastorela” event.
Presented by Teatro of Raza Towards Involvement in Local Latino Awareness (TORTILLA) at Fresno State, “La Pastorela” is an original play of El Teatro Campesino of San Juan Bautista.
The bilingual screenplay, which is primarily in Spanish, 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.
The Fresno State version was rewritten and directed for the first time on campus in 1992 by brother and sister Juan and Maria Hernandez when they were students.
“’La Pastorela’ is an enlightening and comical performance brought together by amazing students that share a passion for their community,” said Samantha Hernandez, TORTILLA president. “The play serves as comical entertainment while raising awareness and informing the community about political, social and economic issues affecting the Latino community.”
The performance will be directed by club activities coordinator Gladis Villalpando and vice president Jorge Ceballos.
Also performing will be a regional Mexican band consisting of Fresno State music major Abdel Salazar and communication major Eric Argueta, along with performer Adolfo Ponce.
Public parking will be free for guests arriving from 6-7 p.m. in parking lots P1 (Shaw and Maple avenues), P15 (Barstow and Maple avenues) or 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).
For more information, contact Hernandez at samsht@mail.fresnostate.edu.
