Rockford’s Ethnic Heritage Museum Hispanic Gallery sponsored a La Posada celebration last Saturday at Veterans Memorial Hall in Rockford.The traditional Hispanic event commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph on their way from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. La Posada, a Spanish word meaning inn, is held over a-nine day period, typically Dec. 16-24. La Posada originally served as a way for Franciscan missionaries to evangelize the Indian population of Mexico. Hispanic children portrayed Joseph, Mary, shepherds and angels as part of a live nativity scene and Hispanic groups from the community provided music, song and traditional dances. The traditional songs of the La Posada tell the story of Mary and Joseph asking for lodging at various inns on their way to Bethlehem. The event concluded with Hispanic pastries, sweets and a piñata for the children.

Elizabeth Manriquez’s Balet Folclorico Mosaico perform. (Photos by Lynne Conner / for Chronicle Media)

Performers at last Saturday’s La Posada at Veterans Memorial Hall included (upper left) Joseph, portrayed by Alvaro Moreno and Mary, portrayed by Jazmin Garcia

Yessenia Vega of Rockford (right) is a member of the Balet Folclorico Mosaico dance troupe.

–‘La Posada’ traces journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem for birth of Jesus–