Las Posadas procession, Olvera Street, 2017. Los Angeles Almanac Photo.
Las Posadas, celebrated every December at historic Olvera Street in Los Angeles since 1930, is said to be the oldest, continuously-celebrated Christmas event in Los Angeles. The festive procession is a reenactment of the journey of the pregnant Mary and husband Joseph to Bethlehem. It begins in front of the oldest house in Los Angeles – the Avila Adobe – with a parade of musicians, a carried replica of Mary and Joseph, and costumed celebrants who wind their way around Olvera Street and end back at the adobe. The event is public with observers lining the procession way, some joining the procession. When the procession ends, celebrants and observers are invited to partake of champurrado (hot chocolate) and pan dulce (sweet bread). The procession is repeated each of nine nights ending with Christmas Eve, when the Mary and Joseph figures are live portrayers.
Las Posadas procession, Olvera Street, 2017. Los Angeles Almanac Photo.
Las Posadas procession, Olvera Street, 1949. Photo from L.A. Times Photographic Collection at UCLA Library
