By Stephanie Viloria
On Thurs., Nov. 13, fraternity Delta Zeta Tou held an event surrounding the Latino tradition of Las Posadas in front of the Student Union in California State University, Bakersfield.
Several tables and chairs decorated Runner Park (the grass area in front of the student union?) to seat the numerous guests attending the event. Free food was served, consisting of shredded meat, rice, beans, and salad.
The event commenced with an introductory speech from Delta Zeta Tou’s president, Ricardo Ore, introducing the tradition of Las Posadas.
“I wanted to host an event that would show Latin roots,” Ore said.
Las Posadas is surrounded on the tale of Mary and Joseph’s journey to look for a place to stay in Bethlehem before Jesus’ birth. The tradition originated in Spain and is widely practiced in several South American countries today. Festivities include a journey in which a procession of people march throughout the town. The procession stops at each home and prays at each nativity scene. In some cases, actual people may play as the characters in the tale, such as Mary, Joseph, and even the donkey Mary rides on through Bethlehem.
The event heated up during the performance of a mariachi band in which they played well-known Latino songs, such as the Macarena. They took requests from the audience as well. Following the performance, a collection of actors performed a skit that they prepared. The story portrayed the battle between good and evil.
Jessenia Hinojosa, 23 year-old liberal studies major, heard the mariachi playing while walking to the library and wondered what the commotion was about. “It’s nice to hear the mariachi because you don’t hear it everyday,” said Hinojosa.
Jose Lopez, 21 year-old communications major, also joined into the festivities without knowing about it beforehand. Lopez heard the mariachi as well and enjoyed the familiarity of the songs.
However, before the performance could conclude, the sprinklers interrupted the suspenseful story. The water shot out at several of the guests, soaking them with freezing water in the already cold night air.
Guests fled the scene until they stood at a safe distance away from the spray of water. Ore apologized for the technical difficulties and invited the guests to make their way inside the Student Union to finish the event.
The festivities ended abruptly, but there is no doubt that the night provided much joy as well as entertainment to each guest. Everyone was able to learn and share in the long-time Latino tradition of Las Posadas.
