Candlelight Posada

Tomorrow and Saturday McAllen will celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season with the 26th annual Candlelight Posada, a family event that meshes holiday traditions of both the U.S. and Mexico. Thousands of McAllen area residents and visitors join together in Archer Park to enjoy food, music, and the holiday spirit.
Friday is the annual lighted parade down Main Street, culminating with the lighting of the City Christmas Tree. And Saturday is the actual "posada," an event that welcomes participants and spectators. It's a stylized reinactment of Mary and Joseph's search for an inn. People are invited to walk along with the couple (Mary rides a burro) and sing Christmas songs in both English and Spanish. Finally, when they arrive at the Main Stage, there is a reading, also in both languages, of the scripture. It's a beautiful event.
Both evenings also feature live entertainment, Santa available for photos, and special activity areas for children and for teens. And the food is fantastic! Local non-profit organizations sell everything from turkey legs and tacos to funnel cakes and pizza.
The event is free, and guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit. I hope you'll join us!