Date: December 14, 2013
Contact: Hale Sargent, Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, 415-623-2344
WHAT: Las Posadas Returns to the Martinez Adobe
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 2:30PM – 4:30PM
WHERE: John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, CA 94553
WHO:
John Muir National Historic Site
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
Spanish Choir of St. Catherine of Siena Church
CONTACT:
Hale Sargent, Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, 415-623-2344, hale_sargent@nps.gov
DETAILS:
A cultural tradition returns. Enjoy a free bilingual (Spanish/English) program of music, history, and
holiday traditions at the Martinez Adobe, on the grounds of the John Muir National Historic Site:
– Learn and sing along to traditional Spanish holiday songs
– Free activity stations for children and families
– Breaking of a traditional holiday piñata
For many years, the Martinez Adobe was site of an annual Las Posadas celebration. Las Posadas — a
holiday tradition in certain countries of the Americas — is a musical procession which reenacts Joseph’s
and Mary’s pilgrimage and search for lodging that has its origins in New Spain. In the 16th century, when
Spanish missionaries noticed the indigenous people already had a ceremony that fell during
Christmastime, they developed Las Posadas to convert the native tradition to the Catholic faith.
Today, the Martinez Adobe is home to a bilingual exhibit about the Juan Bautista de Anza National
Historic Trail, which commemorates the Spanish settlement of the Bay Area in 1776. Come discover how
the faith and traditions introduced by the Spanish continue to play an important role in our community.
Note: This program includes some religious elements for educational and cultural purposes and to share
the story of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. People of all faiths are welcome and
encouraged to attend.
