Hispanics United for Perry is gearing up for Christmas with the return of the annual Las Posadas Celebration on Saturday. 

The event will begin with a ecumenical church service at 6:30 p.m. at First Christian Church, followed by a procession and caroling on 2nd Street. Attendees will make their way to First United Methodist Church for a meal starting at 7:30 p.m. along with kids activities.

HUP President Rosa Gonzalez says the event is a Hispanic Christmas tradition that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for a safe place at the inn (posada) for baby Jesus to be born. 

“It’s an opportunity for the Latino community to share some of the cultural experiences and let people know how we celebrate Christmas in our countries. And it’s an opportunity to get together and just get ready for Christmas.”

Youths are chosen to play the role of Mary and Joseph to lead the procession, which will stop at three businesses on 2nd Street to carol and ask for shelter. At the final stop, participants are invited inside to share a meal together.

Gonzalez adds that while there is no cost for the meal, a free-will offering will be taken to support HUP scholarships for graduating high school seniors.