Print Las Posadas commemorate Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe space for Mary to give birth to baby Jesus Las Posadas festivities are primarily held in the U.S. Central and South America with participants reenacting Mary and Joseph’s journey actors and spectators carry candles and sing a version of “Canto para pedir posada” (“Carol to ask for shelter”) in a procession that concludes with festivities once the symbolic lodging is granted 2024An earlier version of this article said that Las Posadas is rooted in the pre-Hispanic Mexica festival known as Panquetzaliztli Olvera Street hosts the city’s longest running event with nightly processions Lincoln Heights’ Plaza de la Raza hosts a posada-themed fundraiser benefiting their invaluable community programming and the Pico Rivera Sports Arena takes part in festivities with a charreada and music festival we’ve compiled eight Las Posadas celebrations taking place this year in the region Olvera Street has hosted Las Posadas with nine nightly processions leading up to Christmas Eve Festivities kick off in the plaza with a piñata for children before a procession starts at Avila Adobe Attendees will then walk through the historic marketplace and experience a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter Santa Ana-based band Rondalla del Sol perform their blend of bolero Get there early for holiday shopping at one of the many Latino-owned shops and stalls When: Dec. 16 to 24, 6:30 p.m.Where: La Placita Olvera Lincoln Heights’ stunning gothic Sacred Heart Catholic Church is one of many parishes in L.A celebrating Las Posadas with daily prayer at 6 p.m. the church is one of the first parishes built in L.A and is home to Northeast L.A.’s all-girls college prep Sacred Heart High School Parishioners dressed as Mary and Joseph lead a procession stopping at potential refuges inside the church singing traditional songs to hesitant innkeepers scripture readings and a brief homily about Jesus’ birth A communal feast and a star-shaped piñata symbolizing joy and the breaking of sins conclude their “Journey to Sacred Heart” posada event When: Dec. 16 to 23, 6 p.m.Where: Sacred Heart Church (PIERO F GIUNTI) Plaza de la RazaSupport this historic multidisciplinary eastside arts center providing everything from folklorico and danza Azteca to mariachi and social justice theater at their end-of-year Posada Navideña fundraiser Founded in 1970 by Mexican actor Margo Albert and union activist Frank Lopez whose wife Ann Lopez sold her hand-knitted poncho for $36 to pay the initial nonprofit fee Plaza de la Raza fosters emerging eastside artists Sponsorship opportunities start at $1,000 and support scholarships drinks and entertainment benefiting affordable When: Dec. 11, 6 to 9 p.m.Where: Plaza de la Raza 90031Admission: $30 and one unwrapped toy(323) 223-2475 chinelos and DJs at this equestrian cultural hub When: Various times, Dec. 14 and 15Where: Pico Rivera Sports Arena 90601Admission: Free entry with option to purchase a VIP table for $65.87 Built in 1931 during the golden age of cinema to showcase Fox Film Corporation productions Pomona’s Art Deco Fox Theater was restored in 2009 La Gran Posada brings the Christmas story to this vibrant and multipurpose entertainment hub with immersive theatrical and musical performances showcasing traditional Mexican songs folklorico dancers and multiple mariachi bands Support local Latino vendors at a holiday craft and food marketplace taking place after the audience is invited to play pastores and shepherds led by an angel asking for shelter When: Dec. 7, 6:30 to 10 p.m.Where: Fox Theater Pomona, 301 S. Garey Ave., Pomona, 91766Admission: Free entry with options to purchase VIP packages up to about $500 that include dinner and entertainment exclusively dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latinx art MOLAA celebrates Las Posadas with a tequila tasting Sip on some of Mexico’s most versatile spirits eat food and a piñata workshop at this award-winning institution showcasing modern works Proceeds benefit the purchase of costumes and instruments for the Conservatorio Cultural Mariachi y Folklore promotes and teaches traditional Mexican mariachi music and folkloric dance When: Dec. 15, 4 to 10 p.m.Where: Museum of Latin American Art Store, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, 90802Admission: Free; $28.52 tequila tasting makers and community arts organizations at this print studio When: Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Where: Place LB, 2172 Pacific Ave., Long Beach, 90806Admission: Free to $25.25 community food ticket Subscribe for unlimited accessSite Map Photo Credit: A hotel run under the Grand Fiesta Americana in Oaxaca Select a question above or ask something else Groupo Posadas Mexico's largest independent hotel operator is targeting Jamaica and Aruba for expansion as it pushes forward with plans for $850 million in development backed primarily by external investors "It's going to be a busy year in 2025," said Enrique Calderón vice president of upscale and luxury and chief operating officer "Our main focus of expansion internationally is the Caribbean." which operates 198 hotels with nearly 30,000 rooms is set to launch 40 new projects in 2025 and 2026 including 27 new builds and 13 renovations Most of Posadas’ nearly 200 properties are in mainland Mexico though it has a foothold overseas in the Dominican Republic for a 15% increase in room capacity—with a majority at beach destinations More projects are expected to be added to the pipeline "We are looking for projects in Jamaica and Aruba," Calderón told Skift "We will continue in the Dominican Republic." Around two-thirds of Posadas' nearly 30,000 rooms are managed with the remainder evenly split between owned Its range of hotels includes high-service hotels and one with 126 rooms operated by just 18 staff Posadas is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Live Aqua brand in 2025 applying a refreshed program to all eight of the hotels resorts and residences that carry the name Live Aqua will add over 1,000 rooms across new locations in Playa Mujeres Other brands in the portfolio include Grand Fiesta Americana and Calderón countered that it only has nine brands where multi-national competitors (like Marriott and Accor) have 30 or more is carefully targeted on a specific segment Calderón said the company has to be conscious of the industry-wide trend of guests identifying with certain “tribes." Some guests prefer to associate with artistic themes so that is occupying Posadas' strategic thinking at present A sub-brand called “Fiesta Americana Collection" is in the offing Calderón said direct booking channels would grow by around 10% — to about 28 or 29% of the total (from the current direct share of 26% of total bookings) He said that two-thirds of bookings for specifically resort hotels come directly from guests with many guests using the group's Travelty app About a quarter of groupwide bookings currently come via wholesale or online travel agency channels around half of Posadas' bookings come on globally negotiated corporate-client rates or from groups Admitting that Groupo Posadas' performance in 2024 was “a little erratic,” Calderón said: “We will start the new year on a strong footing.” Calderón believed that guests were more willing to commit now that elections in Mexico last June and the U.S Presidential elections in November were in the past He said bookings for Posadas’ resort hotels were five times higher in the week after the U.S He said US travelers appeared to have confidence that they would enjoy better overall economic conditions “Our forecast for the first quarter of 2025 in resorts is looking great and is in pretty good shape in the city locations as well.” The company's property development plan shows Posadas contributing 2% of the capital for new hotels versus 98% from outside investors The total investment value is $850 million Calderón paid tribute to the authorities and hotel managers in many locations with weather risks and threats posed by climate change "They work pretty well when there are problems,” he said and we are always concerned that these kinds of phenomena will become stronger,” Calderón said One way Posadas deals with the risks itself Hurricane Otis hit Acapulco and Posadas hard in October 2023 but Calderón noted that Acapulco’s bay location compounded the shock of the storm’s ferocity Acapulco is mostly protected by high ground inland and built-up areas suffered especially badly because the storm struck directly through the bay entrance What am I looking at? The performance of hotels and short-term rental sector stocks within the ST200 The index includes companies publicly traded across global markets including international and regional hotel brands The Skift Travel 200 (ST200) combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number. See more hotels and short-term rental financial sector performance. Read the full methodology behind the Skift Travel 200. Early Check-In helps you keep up with the latest hotel and hospitality news you agree to receive email communication from Skift Tags: all-inclusive resorts, future of lodging, mexico, resorts Subscribe today to keep up with the latest travel industry news Already a subscriber? Login The leading source of hotel industry news for lodging is targeting expansion into Jamaica and Aruba with plans for $850 million in development The company plans to launch 40 new projects by 2026 increasing its room capacity by 15% with a focus on beach destinations Posadas is also working on increasing direct bookings and enhancing its brand differentiation strategy while addressing climate risks through investments in emergency preparedness New users get20% offtheir first year of Skift Pro A Latin American Christmas tradition kicks off this weekend with celebrations to begin the festival and people across Michigan can take part this year Latino Catholic communities across the state are set to celebrate "Las Posadas," which honors an annual Christmas tradition with deep roots in Mexico While the celebration officially starts Monday many communities are hosting events this weekend Las Posadas is a Mexican and Latin American Catholic Christmas festival commemorating Mary and Joseph's travels between the Middle East's Nazareth and Bethlehem in Christian tradition More: What stores are open, closed on Christmas in Michigan? Your guide Las Posadas celebrations typically include prayers, a procession, piñatas, music, hot food and drinks and sweets, according to Journey Mexico Las Posadas commemorates the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy," the website Franciscanmedia.com says a procession of the faithful takes to the streets with children often dressed as angels and shepherds images and lighted candles are a part of the festivities." What are the origins of Las Posadas?Las Posadas has a strong connection in Latin America, with celebrations in Mexico dating back more than 400 years, according to Franciscan Media The Christian festival originated in Spain and Spanish settlers took the tradition to Mexico to spread Christianity in the region comes from the Christmas story of Mary and Joseph seeking a place to stay as they traveled to Bethlehem More: December is filled with holiday celebrations in Michigan. Here's when they happen Here are some celebrations to check out across the state as Las Posadas gets underway: Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com. Go behind the headlines: From the economy and healthcare to politics and the environment - and so much more - On Point talks with newsmakers and real people about the issues that matter most. On Point is produced by WBUR for NPR. In Mexico, Guatemala and other parts of Latin America, Las Posadas are nightly celebrations in the nine days leading up to Christmas Day. Members of Annunciation B.V.M. Catholic Church gather outside of a home in South Philly on December 19, 2024, as they celebrate las posadas, a centuries-old Mexican tradition commemorating the Gospel story of Mary and Joseph looking for shelter before Jesus is born. (Emily Neil/WHYY) Last year, one neighbor resorted to making signs that read, "Only a real jabroni would honk at the Miracle" and "Honking makes the baby Jesus cry." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Irving Viveros (@irving_viveros) Viveros said his goal was to transport people through time and space weaving together the traditional food and practices of Las Posadas with performances showcasing many facets of the culture He said he wanted to recreate the scene of a typical posada celebration in Mexico where employees at  local businesses hosting the celebrations continue working while preparing for the festivities “We were able to recreate that whole world that we hold in our memory,” he said The gathering, Viveros said, served as a groundspring of resistance and strength for Philly’s Latino immigrants in the wake of President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory Vamos a mostrarle al mundo de lo que estamos hecho” We’re going to show the world what we’re made of.”  Viveros said any social movement is “accompanied by art.” “Usamos el arte y la cultura como nuestro propio lenguaje … y en muchos casos hasta una forma de defensa”, dijo. “We use art and culture as our own language … and in many cases even as a form of defense,” he said The free WHYY News Daily newsletter delivers the most important local stories to your inbox WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today. The Indigenous tradition marks the start of the year in the Aztec calendar Día de los Muertos is a blend of somber and joyful rituals to remember loved ones who have died Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia is hosting two Obon lantern floating ceremonies Emily Neil is a WHYY News reporter covering Bucks and Montgomery counties Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyone’s stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Learn more about Social Responsibility at WHYY While most Nativity sets in the Marian Library’s collection depict visitors arriving at the scene of Jesus’ birth others connect with a crucial prior event: Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and search for shelter.  Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem from Nazareth during Mary’s pregnancy in order to be enrolled in a census in Joseph’s ancestral home The census had been ordered by the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus for taxation purposes Bethlehem was crowded because of the census so there was no room for Mary and Joseph in an inn Las Posadas (Spanish for “the inns”) is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem The reenactment happens over the course of nine days before Christmas participants acting as peregrinos (pilgrims) go door to door with actors playing Mary and Joseph asking the posaderos (innkeepers) for a place to stay “La canción para pedir posada” (“The Song to Ask for Lodging”) is a call-and-response between the two groups Joseph and the peregrinos are turned away until they reach the final stop Christmas scenes circle a ceramic vessel by the Mexican artist Angel Ortiz Gabriel: the journey to Bethlehem a group of angels with swords fighting a serpent and the journey of the Magi Sometimes Mary is depicted as riding on a donkey during the journey to Bethlehem but in this painted scene the donkey walks beside Mary and Joseph This journey is depicted in artwork throughout the world An Austrian Nativity set by Horst Störinger has Mary and Joseph being turned away by an innkeeper after asking for shelter like many of the peregrinos who reenact the scene.  These artworks and more are currently on exhibit in Joy to the World! the Marian Library’s 30th annual Christmas exhibit — Bridget Retzloff is an assistant professor and visual resources librarian in the Marian Library "Glazed Nativity Tableaus" by Angel Ortiz Gabriel (1990s) "José y Maria" by Everett Patterson (2014) Whether you’re wrapping up finals or wrapping presents you might have something in common with a 15th-century printer this week The curiously titled “Cherry Tree Carol” has an interesting story you will learn the story and see how it is paired with one of the Marian Library’s largest Nativity scenes Under the slogan “Say No to Drugs,” amateur boxing became a powerful tool for inclusion and prevention in the capital of Misiones Province Club Huracán in Posadas hosted the event “Say No to Drugs,” a boxing night organized under the WBC Amateur framework bringing together national and international athletes with a clear objective: to use sport as a driver for social change the event stood out both for the technical level of the bouts and the powerful message of awareness Boxers from various Argentine provinces and from Paraguay participated The main events featured Guillermo “La Joya” Andino who faced Maximiliano “El Indomable” Corzo from La Plata as well as the clash between Leandro Da Rosa and Nicolás Morzán — both fights igniting the crowd The event also included a series of amateur bouts sanctioned by WBC Amateur Ariel Cañete defeated Hernán Paniagua (Oberá) by decision Santino Enriquez won by decision over Braian Martínez (Puerto Iguazú) Ramón Vallejo (Paraguay) defeated Pedro Lezcano (El Dorado) by decision Alejandro Cáceres (El Dorado) won by decision against Agustín Duré (Posadas) Diego Sosa (Paraguay) beat Rodrigo Bianchi (Oberá) by decision one of the main fighters and organizers of the event emphasized the social value of sport: “We’re happy sports and boxing help get many kids off the streets and away from drugs,” he said The night was another strong display of WBC Amateur’s commitment — alongside local boxing figures — to training young athletes and promoting values through the sport the ring was much more than a place of competition: it was a message of hope SALT LAKE CITY — For as long as the Very Reverend Christopher Gray can remember Las Posadas celebrations have been a regular thing each Christmastime for Utah's Catholics both at people's houses and also at church," said Father Gray Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Park City "It's a joyful way to celebrate the season," said Father Gray The population of Latinos in Utah gave rise to the celebrations here and the posadas events "will always be part of the preparation for Christmas." Los Posadas activities this year go from Dec The photo shows a posada outside the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City in 2012 (Photo: Intermountain Catholic)While it's a Catholic event practiced in the United States particularly by Catholics of Mexican descent "It's a very welcoming celebration and The central activity is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for lodging and the rejection they repeatedly face from innkeepers Typically groups of participants stand on either side of a doorway that represents the entrance to an inn 'I'm looking for a place to stay,' and the people inside say 'There is no room,'" Father Gray said The two sides go back and forth "until finally the people on the inside relent." In Mexico, participants may actually travel to several prearranged homes, facing rejection until the last one. In Utah parishes, by contrast, "the celebration often occurs in one building such as the social hall," reads a report on this year's events by Intermountain Catholic the online news arm of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City members of each individual parish organize and carry out posadas and a girl and boy may be recruited to represent Mary and Joseph A mass may precede activities followed by food at the end but the singing of Pidiendo Posada "is really what crystallizes the whole thing together," he said a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes in Magna told Intermountain Catholic that the posadas in Utah are a means of passing Catholic traditions on to younger generations "Because many of us cannot gather with our families during this holiday season being able to celebrate them here gives us energy," Estrada said "We see the people very excited to celebrate the posadas The schedule posted online by the diocese shows 11 parishes across Utah hosting posadas from Dec All parishes in the diocese have activities on Christmas Eve Separately, the Mexican Consulate of Salt Lake City is hosting a posada event, Posada Tradicional on Saturday at the Leonardo Museum in Salt Lake City All entry tickets have already been distributed A network of correspondents providing impartial news reports and analysis in 33 languages from locations around the world Up-to-the-minute news and analysis from around the world and in Chicago Hosted by WBEZ's Mary Dixon and NPR's Steve Inskeep Newshour is the award-winning flagship program of the BBC World Service the world’s largest news gathering operation 1A convenes a conversation about the most important issues of our time smart reflection on world news as it’s happening innovators and artists from around the globe with news from Chicago from WBEZ’s Lisa Labuz Reset digs into how the news has moved since you left the house discussing and unpacking the biggest stories and issues in Chicago and beyond right in the heart of the day Fresh Air is a 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Donald Trump’s second presidential term Damariz Posadas had to make calls to get her 7-month-old baby his U.S Breastfeeding “provides that bonding experience “We’re hoping to do that until he’s at least 2 years old.” like everything else in her life right now Damariz’s capacity to carry out that plan is uncertain Damariz Posadas breastfeeds her 7-month-old son both arrived in the United States at age 3 She came from Mexico; he came from Thailand They grew up in Chicago without legal status in the country They both qualified for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals a program set up by President Barack Obama’s administration in 2012 It has shielded half a million young people from deportation Damariz and Maethee both have master’s degrees and good jobs She is an ethics and spirituality teacher and the campus minister at a Catholic high school in the northern suburbs He is a software developer who works from home to be with the baby The couple rents a two-bedroom apartment in Rogers Park They have always communicated with each other in English the sounds of two other languages have filled their apartment Damariz speaks Spanish to the baby; Maethee speaks to him in Thai DACA opens pathways to education and legal employment but not to citizenship DACA also helps the federal government keep tabs on enrollees And the program’s future is always up in the air “On Day 1, I will terminate every open-border policy of the Biden administration, and we will begin the largest domestic deportation operation in American history,” Trump said in a speech last February That has Damariz and Maethee worried about their family — and the possibility they could be separated from their son citizenship because he was born in the country “That would be the worst-case scenario for us,” Damariz said Would they even care that he’s a breastfed baby Do they know that he likes to be patted to go to sleep Do they know that his favorite food right now is sopita Do they know that he likes to squeeze his little toes around your finger when you tickle them?” nicknamed “Boon,” at the family’s North Side home her first solid memory was an overnight hike in the desert with her mom and a bunch of strangers just pitch black all around,” Damariz said Damariz said she must have been making noise worried about coming to the attention of U.S “You need to shut her up,” Damariz recalled him saying “The next thing I remember is that he was coming over to me with tape,” Damariz said “They were about to just tape my mouth shut.” After several failed attempts to cross the border Border Patrol agents at two checkpoints accepted cash from the group She and her mother found their way to Chicago federal immigration agents arrived at her family’s house Damariz said one of the agents pointed a gun at her head before taking away her stepfather and deporting him to his native El Salvador Her stepfather journeyed back through Mexico and made it to the U.S “His cellphone was still receiving calls,” Damariz recalled we’re calling that cellphone every day and And that’s the last I’ve ever heard of him.” we don’t know exactly what happened,” Damariz said through tears “We can assume he died crossing the border.” The sorts of fears tormenting Damariz and Maethee are afflicting many immigrant parents throughout Chicago Trump’s promise of a mass “domestic deportation” was a pillar of his campaign His first administration separated thousands of children from their parents at the Mexican border and transferred them to shelters across the U.S An estimated 4.4 million U.S.-born children live with an unauthorized immigrant parent University of Illinois law professor Lauren R Aronson said the fears of child separation in the nation’s interior are not idle She said the rationale for taking young kids from parents might be that “the baby has a right to live here given that they are a citizen of this country.” Aronson said she does not expect immigration authorities to snatch children from DACA recipients The fate of DACA itself is uncertain. When Trump tried to end the program during his first term, a one-vote U.S. Supreme Court majority kept it in place. Now the court is more conservative “The most recent thing that I heard Trump say which is basically [he’s] going to figure out a way to make it OK for DACA folk I don’t necessarily trust it,” Aronson said Mexican officials urge immigrant parents to get dual citizenship for their children born in the United States — to make sure Damariz and Maethee say they are not taking any chances The couple are also going over every possible scenario in which immigration agents would detain one or both of them — and which one first they are working through a list of tasks to get done they obtained Thai citizenship for the baby so he will also need Mexican citizenship and a passport of that country And the family is making contingency plans for its finances logistical and physical stressors all come with risks a psychology professor at the Chicago School says the couple’s lifelong uncertainty could have health consequences “The worst kind of stress is experienced chronically meaning that it just doesn’t go away,” Chávez-Dueñas said “That type of stress has been connected not just with mental health conditions but also with physical conditions like cardiovascular disease [and] Type 2 diabetes.” Each member of the family is feeling the strain of this period Damariz says anxiety tends to engulf her in the middle of the night and then I just end up staying up for hours,” she said What are we going to do at that point?” she asked What are our legal rights to just make sure he stays with us and how are we going to make sure that he’s being fed And if the separation lasted: “Will he remember me because we’re trying to get me to Thailand somehow and it’s a hard thing to do Is he still going to smile when he sees me?” “I don’t want to think about these things,” Damariz said Chip Mitchell reports for WBEZ Chicago on policing, public safety and public health. Damariz Posadas holds the hand of her 7-month-old son 10 night as Mary and Joseph take their place by the baby Jesus A donkey glows in the light of the luminarias as people follow Mary and Joseph back into the church Jace Lopez as Joseph and Ava Cadena as Mary perform in Las Posadas Dec People had the option to participate in the short precession with a donkey Mary and Joseph leading Corrales into the holiday season That’s what Las Posadas signaled for the village the evening of Dec Las Posadas has been part of the Christmas season and is a religious festival celebrated in Mexico and Latin America to commemorate the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem The name Las Posadas translates to “The Inns” in Spanish but Corrales’ celebration occurs earlier and is a one-night-only performance “We’re so glad that you’re able to join us We’re excited to present Las Posadas for the second year in a row We had presented them for 14 years between 1999 and 201 and we’re so glad that we brought them back,” Corrales Historical Society Board President Ken Martinez said Martinez was proud that the program was bilingual All songs sung during the short precession were sung in Spanish as were most of the songs at the end of the performance People had the choice to follow this year’s Mary (Ava Cadena) and Joseph (Jace Lopez,) through a miniature path made of luminarias outside the Old San Ysidro Church The music was sung by choir members from the San Ysidro parish they led the group in singing famed carols such as “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World.” The holiday season celebration will continue in the village in the coming days the church will host the Festival of the Nativities Email notifications are only sent once a day Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don't miss out on updates Receive our newspaper electronically with the e-Edition email Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account Español | English For the Latino community in the United States Christmas is a time to gather with loved ones and keep alive the traditions of their countries of origin Among the traditions that bring families together during the end of year holiday season is Las Posadas The Spanish words “las posadas” translates to “inns” or “lodgings.” Those words sometimes are used to refer to the celebration that commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter before the birth of Jesus.  The nine-day celebration starts in mid-December and runs through Christmas Eve but they may include attending mass or saying prayers as well as celebrating with piñatas and eating special foods which are chosen depending on the family’s Latin American roots.  The kitchen is usually the center of activity.   “I believe that we Latinos consider the kitchen as the main focus of the house,” said Jesús Díaz better known as “Chef Yisus,” an award-winning chef “It becomes the epicenter of family activity because one of the most cherished traditions is cooking together.” Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and met two Hispanic families whose children are patients there They discussed their year-end traditions and shared ideas on preserving the taste of home in their cooking emphasizing the importance of doing it as a family the blend of spices and delightful aromas not only creates traditional festive dishes but also evokes unforgettable memories.  raisins and olives and wrapped in banana leaves.   Jesús recommends a simpler dish that is still representative of the celebration of Las Posadas as well as filling “I think we must go with rice because it always saves us and it also fills you up because it yields a lot of portions,” he said.  .hide-breadcrumb div.breadcrumb { display: none; } Protesters march Saturday outside a CHA scattered-site property at 2119 N in Logan Square during the annual Las Posadas ceremony CHA’s scattered-site properties include nearly 3,000 public housing units scattered individually or in small groups throughout the city More than 70 people marched through Logan Square Saturday morning demanding the Chicago Housing Authority follow through on promises to repair scattered-site housing and keep low-income housing in the neighborhood the Las Posadas gathering was led by members of the Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance and Palenque Liberating Spaces Through Neighborhood Action and highlighted the long-standing issue of vacant and deteriorating scattered-site housing viewing these neglected properties as a wasted resource and a point of contention underscoring their belief that promises from the city and the CHA remain unfulfilled Marchers began at Grace Church of Logan Square and ended at a nearby scattered-site property at 2119 N Participants left signs for CHA at the house asking the authority not to turn families away The term “scattered sites” dates from when the agency for years accused of reinforcing racial segregation was under legal pressure to expand holdings beyond Black neighborhoods pastor at Grace Church and a member of the Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance said the alliance is urging the housing authority to reconsider its management of scattered-site housing “Our ask for CHA is we don’t want them to sell the scattered-site housing dry and beautiful — houses people actually want to live in and permanently for low-income families,” she said “We don’t need less housing for low-income people in Chicago Rally participants march Saturday to 2119 N a CHA scattered-site property in Logan Square during the annual Las Posadas ceremony She pointed to systemic neglect of affordable housing in areas like Logan Square seems to never get any investment,” she said Of the 3,000 scattered-site housing placements across Chicago, about 500 remain vacant we’re seeing a disproportionate amount in this area being left unfilled,” she added pastor of Kimball Avenue United Church of Christ and a member of the Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance noted that the Spaulding site has been empty and boarded up for years “We’ve heard from residents and community members that this is just unacceptable because not only is it housing that’s being wasted but it also affects the rest of the community,” he said “When there’s a boarded-up building like this it can easily become a place where squatters show up and all sorts of activities detrimental to the community.” In November 2023, CHA launched its Restore Home project to repair including 36 small to midsize apartment buildings The goal was to finish the work in 18 months, “an aggressive target,” the agency’s CEO, Tracey Scott, said at the time. The embattled chief announced in October she was stepping down from the post Current board chairperson Angela Hurlock will serve as interim boss as the agency conducts a search “We are working through what can be a complicated construction process and pushing hard to achieve the timeline,” a spokesperson said in a statement to the Sun-Times Friday in Logan Square on Saturday during the annual Las Posadas ceremony organized by the Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance and Palenque Liberating Spaces Through Neighborhood Action a housing advocate and an area resident for more than 30 years said she has long been frustrated over the many vacant units in the area that remain in disrepair “There are all these units sitting in this area and people could be living in those,” she said “It seems like a really inefficient way of addressing housing,” Thomas said attended Saturday’s event for the first time motivated by her passion for affordable housing said she felt compelled to get involved after learning about housing issues during a summer internship with Palenque LSNA Mata emphasized the need for community awareness and action “I definitely think it’s important for people to become more informed and learn about what they can do and what their actions can do to impact other people’s lives,” she said “These vacant houses could be used by people who really need them especially during the winter and the holiday season.” Joyce emphasized the significance of the holy family’s story during Saturday’s call to action “The purpose of this is to commemorate the story of the holy family We remember that and remember how many other holy families we see on the streets right now,” Joyce said Participants stand outside a Chicago Housing Authority scattered site housing at 2119 N in Logan Square on Saturday during the annual Las Posadas ceremony The demonstration was part of a reenactment of Las Posadas a 400-year-old Christian tradition of a days-long prayer that recreates the story of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before Jesus was born Terms of Use • Privacy Notice • Cookie Policy • Terms of Sale the nine days before Christmas are celebrated by centuries-old religious rituals that connect them to their heritages Catholic Mexican missionaries introduced dawn Christmas Masses called Misa de Gallo or "Rooster's Mass." The tradition continues today in Southwest Florida like when the rooster cries," says Cecile Stratton a member of Sarasota's Couples for Christ church "It's held all over the Philippines for nine days." "We have Filipino songs mixed with English songs," Stratton says and people bring their favorite Filipino dishes." but none that are distinctly Filipino," Stratton says you're so happy — it brings back memories of life in the Philippines The most important thing is bringing your whole family." Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church celebrates Las Posadas a 16th-century tradition created by Spanish missionaries to teach religion through biblical reenactments more than 100 people gathered on Clifton Street to recreate Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem prayed and went door-to-door carrying statues of Jesus and Mary After being symbolically turned away at one home the group continued until reaching their final destination "I'm glad that I'm here," says volunteer Alonzo Rebolledo-Duram "It's been a while since they had some of these Whether it’s through the reverent prayers of Simbang Gabi or joyful reenactments of Las Posadas both traditions help to bind people to one another The Perry Ministerial Association invites you to join them for their annual Blue Christmas Service In this holiday season when everything around us is saying be “merry and bright,” it can be easy to feel like you are alone in sorrow or heartache The ministerial association holds this service each year as a reminder that even in heartache we can find hope 19 for a candlelight service filled with peace If you would like to attend this service but need transportation He will be arranging rides to and from this service Hispanics United for Perry will hold its annual Las Posadas Celebration on Friday Las Posadas is a traditional Hispanic Christmas celebration that reenacts Joseph and Mary’s search to find a room at the inn for the baby Jesus to be born The celebration will begin with an ecumenical service at 6 p.m there will be a procession and caroling down 2nd Street The celebration will wrap up with a dinner starting at 7 p.m A free-will offering will be collected to support HUP scholarships for graduating high school seniors The event will also feature a special performance from the Los Laureles dance group and a kids activity sponsored by the Perry Public Library Gift cards sponsored by local businesses will also be raffled off Santa will make his annual visit to the Perry Hy-Vee store on Saturday Bring your phone or camera and take free photos with Santa Perry Scout Troop 127 will host a cookie walk on Saturday All proceeds will go to the troop's High Adventure summer trip to Medicine Mountain in South Dakota Perry Grand 3 Theatres will be offering free admission to Christmas movies at 11 a.m "The Polar Express" will be the final movie shown on Saturday The Perry Fine Arts Series will present TUBACHRISTMAS on Saturday Participants are encouraged to dress in holiday clothing Perry First United Methodist Church is handicapped accessible Santa will be visiting Brickyard on Sunday Bring the whole family for some festive fun and don’t forget your wish list and your cameras to capture the magic The annual Christmas dinner will be held on Wednesday salads and desserts along with to-go packages of cookies While attendees can enjoy a free in-person meal Those looking for deliveries can call the Elks Lodge at 515-465-3791 around 10 a.m A large order for take-out or delivery should be called in early if possible The common owls of Iowa can be located at night by mimicking their calls. The uncommon owls are found during the day roosting in cedar trees. We will be venturing off-trail looking for pellets, whitewash, and feathers. The hope is that we will be able to experience our own “Eye to Eye Epiphany.” Registration is required for this free program through DCCB's Eventbrite page Stretch your legs on the last morning hike of the year and enjoy whatever nature decides to do that day Celebrate the incoming New Year with Roy R Families and kids of all ages are invited for games and fun ending with a countdown and balloon drop at noon Kick off your New Year's celebration with dinner at the Hotel Pattee Call (515)465-3511 to make your reservations the Carnegie Library Museum will host the 10th Annual Festival of Trees This Perry tradition began in 2014 with just 12 trees and a team of enthusiastic volunteers participation has grown to include not only a Carnegie Library filled with beautiful trees and creative displays The public is invited to enjoy this free festival during open Carnegie Library hours To submit events to be included in the Around the County round-up email news@adelnews.com or news@theperrychief.com COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER you will notice Costa Rica transforms into a mixture of Christmas traditions blending Catholic heritage with local customs Understanding the significance of Costa Rican Christmas offers a way of getting into the festive spirit let’s unwrap the gift of Costa Rican Christmas traditions most Christmas celebrations have a Catholic background The essence of Christmas remains the same: it is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and it is a time for reflection and celebration This is also the case in most Latin American countries Costa Rica adds its flair to the festivities. Streets and homes are adorned with lights and decorations, featuring tropical elements like palm trees alongside nativity scenes. The air is filled with the aroma of Christmas dishes, such as tamales wrapped in banana leaves and rompope There are differences in how Christmas is celebrated in urban and rural areas of Costa Rica Rural areas often maintain traditional celebrations with a focus on community gatherings and homemade decorations Other Christmas activities include the Tope Nacional, a horse parade held in San José on December 26th, which showcases our equestrian culture. Another event is the Festival de la Luz (Festival of Light) Among the Christmas traditions in Costa Rica are the posadas beginning on December 16 and ending on December 24 with the birth of Christ Posadas are a representation of community spirit and religious devotion bringing neighborhoods together in a nightly celebration The origin of posadas is a blend of indigenous and Catholic traditions Part of its origin comes from an Augustinian friar named Diego Soris who asked Pope Sixtus V for authorization to establish them The friar’s aim was to replace a tradition the indigenous people had in honor of the god Huitzilopochtli The church replaced indigenous characters with Christian figures and modified the celebration which was initially held in churches and later moved to neighborhoods and streets evangelizing friars dramatized each of the hardships Joseph and Mary had to endure in their search for refuge posadas in Costa Rica are a community event families visit a house each night to reenact what Mary and Joseph experienced while searching for a place for Jesus to be born The meaning of “inn” was “lodging and food for travelers.” Originating in Spain posadas have been practiced in Costa Rica for over 400 years The celebration begins with the recitation of the Rosary and the singing of litanies ending with two children carrying images of the Virgin and St they divide into two groups: one enters the house while the other asks for lodging imitating Joseph and Mary when they arrived in Bethlehem The group inside welcomes the “pilgrims,” and the celebration continues with the singing of carols Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen returns for its eighth EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays in 2024 Take your taste buds south of the border to celebrate the season.” The 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays takes place November 29 – December 30 *Price per bottle is an average price of the spirit at your local liquor store This is a huge portion that packs plenty of flavor The Dulce de Leche filling was hard to pin down a taste for but not any more exciting than a regular churro The Mezcal-based cocktails from Las Posadas always taste like Chloraseptic to us We wouldn’t recommend you suffer through this drink It’s your average watered-down festival beverage and no amount of toasted coconut rim can save it Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen is located at the Mexico Pavilion on the lagoon side of World Showcase Promenade adjacent to La Cantina de San Angel You can find it at number 7 on the map below AmaWaterways Celebrates Travel Advisor Appreciation With Incentives and Rewards Bowman’s Travel Brief: Avoid Newark Airport Mastering the Art of Group Travel Bookings Fiesta Americana Travelty Celebrates Travel Advisors The Top 24 Most Powerful Travel Agencies of 2024 The Strategic Art of Pre-Planning Luxury Vacations: A Perspective for Travel Advisors WHY IT RATES: Live Aqua is expanding while also unveiling an exciting and transformative rebrand that will set the bar even higher for contemporary luxury in hospitality.—Patrick Clarke the leading premier hospitality group in Mexico will proudly celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Live Aqua brand of hotels and resorts next year with the addition of two more Live Aqua properties in Mexico The two additional properties will sit in Mexico City—one in the Historic Center and the other in Polanco Having opened the first Live Aqua in Cancun in 2005 the brand has grown into a collection of five world-class hotels and three private residences The new Mexico City properties in Polanco and the Historic Center will join revered existing hotels across iconic destinations such as Cancun the brand remains committed to pushing the boundaries of luxury setting the stage for the next generation of discerning travelers Amenities include a sophisticated lobby bar on the ground floor perfect for a casual drink or socializing; a rooftop restaurant and bar providing stunning city views alongside exceptional cuisine and craft cocktails; spots throughout the property for a quick and casual bite state-of-the-art fitness and spa facilities The hotel will also boast a marketplace and boutique providing guests with a convenient option for shopping Polanco will open in Q4 2025 with 31 keys and will feature a wide array of thoughtfully curated amenities designed to enhance every aspect of the guest experience including a roof top with breathtaking panoramic views Live Aqua has also unveiled a transformative rebrand that will set a new standard for contemporary luxury in hospitality As Live Aqua celebrates two decades of excellence the brand is undergoing a reimagining that reflects a deeper emotional connection with its guests Live Aqua now focuses on creating meaningful unforgettable experiences through its properties the brand plans to add over 1,000 rooms across new locations in Playa Mujeres “Luxury is no longer about material wealth; it’s about curating transformative experiences that resonate with our guests on a personal level,” says Enrique Calderón Chief Operating Officer Hotels for Live Aqua we’re introducing a new standard for luxury—one that allows guests to disconnect from the every day and reclaim their time in an inspiring environment.” the brand’s new manifesto encourages guests to slow down and embrace each moment in an environment that blends contemporary luxury with thoughtful service Whether it’s the serene exclusivity of the Punta Cana resort or the rich cultural experiences in San Miguel de Allende Live Aqua’s rebrand will focus on five core pillars that embody the essence of its evolved luxury: In addition to the upcoming Live Aqua properties in Mexico City Posadas is set to expand further with exciting new projects With the addition of these five properties Posadas will have over 195 hotels in their portfolio For more information about Posadas, visit posadas.com For more information about Live Aqua, visit fiestamericanatravelty.com/live-aqua For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S THE BEST OF THE AMERICAN LATINO & MULTICULTURAL EXPERIENCE The story that is told through the posadas the Christmas tradition practiced in countries throughout Latin America has taken on a special relevance this year… The group of 12 stood holding battery-powered candles Several among them huddled in the entryway of the house in Frankford and others stood inside the warm living room where a decorated Christmas tree reigned in the corner The setting was modern-day Philadelphia on a cold evening the week before Christmas but the story the small gathering reenacted in that brief moment has been repeated for thousands of years people sang the part of the weary travelers The group inside played the part of the innkeepers of Bethlehem who refuse the couple a room in their home until they finally recognize Mary and Joseph as the Holy Family who in the biblical narrative are awaiting the birth of Jesus a Capuchin Franciscan brother from the Padre Pio Center in Kensington entered the house to share food as they said prayers and read stories of Jesus’ birth from the Bible Posadas navideñas have been a tradition for centuries in Latin America consisting of processions and celebrations from Dec Though they are practiced mostly in Mexico and Central America there are similar customs elsewhere under different names such as parrandas in Puerto Rico and novenarios in Colombia in which celebrants and community members process through the town streets going from one house to the next until they rest and find posada in someone’s home where all gather to eat tamales and other traditional Christmas dishes but the story that the posada - a word that means “inn,” or “lodge” in its everyday use - recounts is one of the desperate search for lodging that Mary and Joseph undertook on their journey before Jesus was born The couple had traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the census count ordered by the Roman emperor and were turned away lodge after lodge knocking on doors until they reached a house where the owner offered them space in his stable to rest Commemorating this aspect of the Christmas story is made all the more poignant when viewed in the context of the many migrants and refugees who are traveling in search of shelter and security today “I think [the message of posadas] is as relevant today as it ever has been Probably even more,” said Brother Andrew McCarty who worked with Hernández and other community members to coordinate this year’s posadas it’s part of our call in the Church to offer that posada These were the first posadas of their kind organized by the center since it was established in Kensington in Aug said that though the message of the posadas connects to the situation of Central American immigrants who journey to the U.S.-Mexico border the tradition is a reminder that ¨there have always been refugees and there have most especially always been people who don’t have a home.” like Mary and Joseph who were asking and were denied there are many people who are experiencing this including immigrants in this situation right now,” she noted who in years past had participated in posadas in the neighborhood with the San Joaquín and Madre Dolorosa congregations before those churches were closed said that practicing the tradition also presents a way of preserving her culture as a Puerto Rican within the context of a religious celebration “It’s good that we can maintain the customs and traditions for the younger generations so that they can know that even while living in this country we are able to maintain our culture and the ways of expressing our culture in our religion,” she said the posadas held in Kensington are also a powerful way of bringing community members together as visits to the homes of different members of their congregations allow for a more intimate way of connecting with one another This sense of cultivating ties among community members and stakeholders was also a central part of another Philly posada 17 on the other side of the city at the South Philadelphia Free Library branch and organized by the library the Mexican Consulate of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Police Department´s Third district Library supervisor Renee Pokorny noted that the large turnout at this year’s third annual posada celebration was a testament to an effort to “integrate other holiday traditions and make it more inclusive.” The gathering included a bilingual storytelling of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” followed by a gift-giving from “Santa Claus” and rounds of hot chocolate Some families moved towards the doors of the library to split into the two groups and carry out the reenactment in Spanish of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter which celebrants would sing in Kensington days later head of the Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia told AL DÍA that the centuries-old tradition of the posadas also has a contemporary relevance due to its focus on “opening the door to those who don’t have anything.” “I think in this moment that message is very valid because we’ve seen that not just in the United States but in many parts of the world there are many refugees or people requesting asylum,”  said Kerber-Palma what is better than to open the door to those who do not have anything?” THE BEST OF THE AMERICAN MULTICULTURAL EXPERIENCE « Back The couple, who met on the Netflix dating show, tied the knot in a romantic three-day wedding in Taormina in Sicily, Italy alongside their family and friends Kimberlee Speakman is a digital writer at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2022. She has also worked in broadcast television as a reporter for Hawaii-based news station KHON2 News. Thunderstorms likely. Rainfall will be locally heavy at times. A few storms may be severe. Low 62F. Winds ESE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall near an inch. Photo courtesy of the Angelo State University Office of Communications and Marketing The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority said they need $21.9 million in additional funds to remain operational.  It's a critical shortfall that may force the island’s only public hospital to cut services, according to Chief Financial Officer Yuka Hechanova.  “Without it, we will have reduced capacity that will require bed closures. Our patients will have to wait longer in the ER for a bed. We will not be able to pay vendors for pharmaceuticals, oxygen and vital supplies. We will not be able to pay contractors to service our medical equipment– our elevators, our boiler, our water treatment system. We will not have enough nurses and doctors to care for our patients,” said Hechanova.  A panel full of hospital leadership advocating for their budget in a hearing before senators on Monday.  GMH is seeking a total of $213.6 million for Fiscal Year 2026.  Hospital Administrator and CEO Lillian Perez Posadas emphasized the ‘imperative need’ for the additional funds.  They owe vendors $20.8 million and are short $3 million a month for payroll.  Plus, she admits they have not paid their power bill in three months and even several travel nurses.  Senator Sabrina Salas Matanane: On Sunday, $4 million was due to Nuwest for travel nurses. Were you able to make that payment?  GMH Admin & CEO Lillian Posadas: No, ma’am.  Posadas: If we don’t make a $2 million payment by May 9, they will no longer assign and refer travel nurses to GMH. Their financial crisis is compounded by slow collections, Medicaid reimbursement challenges, delays and denials from local insurance companies, patients experiencing homelessness who continue to stay hospitalized, among other concerns.  General Surgeon Dr. Ricardo Eusebio said he’s been witnessing this ‘vicious cycle of failure’ for more than 35 years while practicing in Guam.  “The thing is, this has to be resolved before we go to the new hospital. Because unless we resolve these issues, we’re going to have the same problem in the new hospital. And it’s going to fail. It’s going to fail. So it’s up to you to try to resolve these issues and uncouple ourselves from this vicious cycle of failure,” said Dr. Eusebio.   Meantime, GMH is considering reducing their workforce by ten percent, adjusting compensation, and other cost containment strategies. From the Las Posadas processions to traditional dishes like tamales and pozole Joseph Shuba•Dec 6 Las Posadas, one of Mexico’s most cherished Christmas traditions, takes place from December 16th to December 24th These nightly processions reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem Participants walk through neighborhoods singing carols (“villancicos”) and carrying candles often ending the evening with a gathering featuring prayer and traditional Mexican Christmas food like tamales and ponche If you’re visiting Mexico during this time ask locals about public posadas you can join Cities like San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca offer particularly enchanting celebrations complete with music and festive decorations families gather for a grand feast that often includes dishes like: visit local Christmas markets in cities like Mexico City or Guadalajara or “Nacimientos,” are a cornerstone of Mexican Christmas decorations These elaborate displays range from small setups in private homes to life-size installations in public plazas The Baby Jesus figure is traditionally added on Christmas Eve Be sure to explore famous nativity scenes in places like Puebla or Guanajuato Many include intricate details and figures showcasing the creativity and devotion of local artisans On Christmas Eve, the faithful attend Midnight Mass known as “Misa de Gallo” (Mass of the Rooster) This solemn yet festive service celebrates the birth of Christ families return home to continue celebrating with their Nochebuena feast such as the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City or the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe While Nochebuena is the highlight of the holiday season Christmas Day in Mexico is typically quieter with families resting and enjoying time together The festive season continues into January with Día de Reyes (Three Kings’ Day) on January 6th when children receive gifts and families share a “Rosca de Reyes” (King’s Cake) Celebrating Christmas in Mexico is an enchanting mix of faith Whether you’re enjoying a beachside escape in Cancún or participating in posadas in Oaxaca the holiday season here offers something for everyone and celebrate this Christmas season in Mexico the right way a free daily newsletter that features the best of travel and guides to the cities you love from a new point of view — yours you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy Queen Elizabeth Once Stepped In To Prevent Snoop Dogg From Being Banned From The UK United Airlines Flight Attendant's Armrest Announcement Sparks Social Media Frenzy ‘Basketball Wives’ Star Mehgan James Speaks Out About Popular Bahamas Island With Flesh-Eating Bacteria After Friend Loses Leg Chaos Erupts After Ethiopian Airlines Passenger Forced To Give Up Seat For Minister Paramount+'s 'MobLand' has rapidly garnered a wide audience thanks to its fascinating characters and gorgeous scenic backdrops A 27-year-old Chinese student living in Japan was rescued twice from Mount Fuji within days – the second time after reascending for his phone The Haifeng is Taiwan’s first luxury dessert-themed train It redefines the afternoon tea experience with some Michelin-starred desserts is taking a step towards opening its doors to international travelers discovering these dishes is recognizing that the rice you're eating in Louisiana has a cousin in Lagos News • August 22 We are thrilled to announce that Eliazar Posada has been appointed as the permanent Executive Director of Equality NC His appointment has followed exemplary service and leadership as interim executive director since January ensuring a smooth transition and unwavering continuity in our mission Eliazar demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our cause Equality NC has thrived—delivering vital information on legislation affecting human rights forging stronger statewide partnerships to amplify LGBTQ+ power and championing rural and youth-forward policies and protections at local and regional levels His leadership has propelled significant growth and solidified Equality NC's position as a powerful force for change Eliazar brings extensive experience in the nonprofit sector particularly in addressing community needs in North Carolina With a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success he is exceptionally well-suited to lead our organization Eliazar served as Acting President & CEO of El Centro Hispano further showcasing his capacity for impactful leadership Eliazar is committed to embedding equality into every decision made by our state leaders and ensuring that Equality NC remains an unwavering advocate for our queer and trans community who bear the brunt of relentless anti-LGBTQ+ measures we will intensify our electoral and legislative efforts to amplify every voice in our community and strategically endorsing candidates who align with our mission and values through our PAC Our goal is to protect and advance the rights of our community by actively shaping policy decisions that directly impact our lives Equality NC is also dedicated to investing in the power of storytelling to uplift the voices of the queer and trans community Our efforts will spotlight diverse stories that reflect the richness and resilience of our community we will celebrate our identities and advocate for the change we need to thrive Equality NC is the nation's oldest statewide organization committed to securing rights and protections for the LGBTQ+ community (919) 829-0343 Website by Jay H. Wu Go behind the headlines: From the economy and healthcare to politics and the environment - and so much more - On Point talks with newsmakers and real people about the issues that matter most Thirty businesses and artisans set up tables and showcased various talents in the basketball gym at the Bok Building Artesanías Mundo de Queen sold dolls and other gifts from their table at the second annual La Expo Tianguis y Posada Sunday’s market wasn’t without the holiday spirit as Santa hats and Christmas trees could be found throughout the gym Reyes said it provided a great opportunity to “connect as much as we can.” “It’s the point that you’re connecting with what you’re giving, right? I feel like that’s what I try to do in times of like Christmas or New Year’s is just give us as much as I can so I can get the same back,” Reyes said “It’s just like the back and forth in which we can share together.” Guatemala and other parts of Latin America Las Posadas are nightly celebrations in the nine days leading up to Christmas Day Ivonne Pinto-García sold her mother’s handmade jewelry and wares with her daughter. While Pinto-García is an accomplished artist in her own right She said the art connects people across cultures and languages The event was organized in part by the Philadelphia Department of Commerce, Philatinos Radio and the Mexican and Latin Market. Our weekend newsletter will catch you up on the best local stories of the week the driver of a 2004 silver Toyota experienced a medical emergency while driving in the area Victoria Ciliberti is a third-generation “palm lady” sharing her craft in the Italian Market ahead of Palm Sunday one neighbor resorted to making signs that read "Only a real jabroni would honk at the Miracle" and "Honking makes the baby Jesus cry." Cory Sharber is a general assignment reporter for WHYY News Wrestling fans have a surprise Who's Number One matchup to look forward to at 200 lbs when Ironman champ Cade Ziola takes on Fargo champ Angelo Posada Ziola was originally slated for a rematch with New Jersey's Harvey Ludington but a last-minute injury has prevented Ludington from competing Buy your ticket now for this action-packed day by clicking here Cade Ziola and Angelo Posada have met twice in the past at Elite 8 Duals with Ziola taking both bouts but Ziola won by fall when he capitalized on a scramble to put Posada away Ziola vs Posada from Elite 8 Duals in 2023 Already a subscriber? Log In Ziola is entering his senior year at Nebraska powerhouse Skutt Catholic in Omaha He plans to stay close to home for college to compete for the Nebraska Cornhuskers He's looking for his third state title this year but perhaps the highlight of his career so far was his dominant Ironman title last December California product Angelo Posada is heading to Stanford in a year he won titles at Doc Buchanan and the California state tournament He followed that up with a Fargo title at 215 lbs this summer 113 lbs - Dom Munaretto vs Ignacio Villasenor 126 lbs - Anthony Knox vs Aaron Seidel 132 lbs - Jax Forrest vs Seth Mendoza 138 lbs - Sergio Vega vs Drew Gorman 144 lbs - Bo Bassett vs Daniel Zepeda 150 lbs - Maddox Shaw, Jayden James, and Collin Gaj 157 lbs - Landon Robideau vs Melvin Miller 175 lbs - LaDarion Lockett vs Ryan Burton 190 lbs - Harvey Ludington vs Cade Ziola 285 lbs - Nicholas Sahakian vs Jude Correa Get the most important Wrestling stories delivered straight to your inbox Sign In Subscribe Now The Maple Ridge Public Library offered a Las Posadas event on Saturday to mark an important holiday in Mexico and other Latin countries Margarita Lima organizes cultural events at the library and explained Las Posadas is an important event in Mexico with large numbers of people from those countries as a key event during the Christmas season and be inclusive with all of our events and programs Having different events that represent different cultures is nice," said Lima "We have people who have never been to the library before who come for this event and become regular library users." the live-action Nativity play was put on with St Las Posadas follows the journey to Bethlehem symbolized by a candlelit path, with Christmas carolers The event also featured Mexican folk dancing by with Nahualli Folklore of Vancouver and free tasty churros were donated by Lupita Mexican Foods The event was supported by the Family Education and Support Centre Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Katzie Local Immigration Partnership and the Ridge Meadows Multicultural Society Dialogue and debate are integral to a free society and we welcome and encourage you to share your views on the issues of the day. 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