The author’s note at the beginning of “The Night of Las Posadas” tells us that posada means “inn.” The story in this book is about an old Spanish tradition of remembering Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay the night Baby Jesus was born.
High in the mountains above Santa Fe, the villagers have been busy preparing for Las Posadas. Lupe and her new husband, Roberto, have been chosen to portray Mary and Joseph, and Lupe’s aunt Angie couldn’t be more proud. Angie has been in charge of this night for many years and has trained the singers that will follow “Mary” and “Joseph” in their quest. Actors were chosen to portray devils that would try to keep the couple from finding lodging.
Everyone was excited, most of all, Roberto. He was nervous to play the part of Joseph, but Lupe and Angie told him he would do a wonderful job. They stopped by the church and looked at the engraving of Mary and Joseph on the wall to help themselves prepare.
Finally the night came, but Angie was sick and could not attend. This would be the first year in many that she wasn’t there. To make matters worse, as Lupe and Roberto drove into town, their truck died, and they were stranded. Everyone was waiting for them, and you can’t have Las Posadas without Mary and Joseph.
Just as everyone wondered what they should do, a young couple came down the street, the man leading a donkey with a woman on its back. They explained that they were friends of Angie’s and would be taking Lupe and Roberto’s place, as they were stuck.
The couple went from door to door, the choir following them, singing. At each door, the devils mocked, and the innkeepers shut the doors. Finally, the door was flung open wide for Mary and Joseph, and everyone gathered around. But where were Mary and Joseph? They must not have known that they were supposed to take the places of honor at the front. Angie must not have told them it was part of the play. Everyone looked around, but the man and woman were nowhere to be seen.
Just then, Lupe and Roberto came in, apologizing for being late. They were told that Angie’s friends had filled in, and there was no need to worry. “What friends?” Lupe and Roberto asked each other.
Meanwhile, Angie was feeling some better and decided to go to the church to light a candle. When she got there, she saw footprints leading up to the picture of Mary and Joseph, and their cloaks were covered with fresh snow.
(This book was published in 1999 by G. P. Putnam’s Sons and was illustrated by the author.)
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