Posada Navideña Brings
Traditional Mexican Christmas Celebration to Sonoma County

December 21st Performance Shares the Holiday Spirit of Mexico
through Dance and Music

Santa Rosa, Ca. (November 29, 2007) – Come share in the beloved Mexican tradition of the “Posada” as Instituto Mazatlán Bellas Artes de Sacramento presents Posada Navideña, Friday, December 21 at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. This two hour program consists of traditional Mexican folkloric dances sharing the beautiful culture and customs of Mexico through live music and dance. The second half of the program is dedicated solely to the Christmas season with the presentation of the Posada, the 16 day celebration observed in Mexico leading up to Noche Buena or "Holy Night" (December 24).  

In Mexico there are many customs and traditions that capture the essence of the people, their beliefs, and ultimately their daily lives. Within these traditions, religion often plays a key role. The “Posada Navideña,” is a program representing the “Pastorela” (pilgrimage) that Joseph and Mary made to Jerusalem before the birth of Christ. In this piece, los pastores (shepherds) are informed of the birth of baby Jesus by the arc angel. On their way to Bethlehem, they are tempted by the devil with sins and temptations. But, with the help of the arc angel they fight off the temptations and ultimately make it to Bethlehem where they join the Three Kings to greet baby Jesus. Parts of this tale also include the trials of Joseph and Mary, who upon their arrival to Bethlehem seek posada (place to stay) and are often turned away. Finally, Joseph and Mary are given posada and the celebration of the birth of Jesus begins with the arrival of los pastores and the Three Kings.

“Traditionally, the Posada is celebrated in the homes of church-goers and community members who reenact the story of the days leading up to Christ’s birth through song,” says Steven Valencia of Instituto Mazatlán Bellas Artes de Sacramento. “Our Posada Navideña presentation is an expression of the essence of the Posada shared through dance and music.” In addition to “La Pastorela,” eight dances and musical interludes make up the Posada Navideña presentation, including “Danza de los Quetzales,” “Alma Jarocha” (Veracruz), and “Navidad en Jalisco,” among others. 

Instituto Mazatlan Bellas Artes de Sacramento features 21 dancers and a 12-piece mariachi band. The troupe is one of California’s most popular Ballet Folklorico companies and  received world-wide acclaim in 2005 after winning the international folklore competition ”Escencia de Mexico” in Los Angeles.

Performance Information

Posada Navideña by Instituto Mazatlan Bellas Artes de Sacramento December 21, 8pm

Pre-show Discussion, 7pm - Join this great opportunity to meet the artists and learn more about the origins and the stories behind the dances and music you’ll experience during the performance.

Tickets ($10, $15) are available at the Box Office located at 50 Mark West Springs Road in Santa Rosa, by phone at 707-546-3600, or online at wellsfargocenterarts.org.

**Help us share the joy the holiday season! 

Bring a grocery bag containing non-perishable food items for the Redwood Empire Food Bank to our Box Office and we will provide one FREE ticket to Posada Navideña for each ticket purchased. 

PRINT QUALITY ARTIST IMAGES AVAILABLE AT:

http://wellsfargocenterarts.org/docs/contact/media.html 

The non-profit Wells Fargo Center for the Arts is the North Bay's premier arts organization presenting world-class performances, contemporary sculpture, festivals, and events to 500,000 residents and visitors each year. Together with its resident companies, Wells Fargo Center for the Arts provides more than 100 annual performances, serves to present intriguing contemporary art, and is one of California's largest providers of arts education programs for children. Located in the heart of the Wine Country, Wells Fargo Center for the Arts campus features spacious auditoriums, an intimate cabaret, and outdoor festival grounds with a big-top tent. Unlike many similar organizations, Wells Fargo Center for the Arts is not aligned with any federal, state, or municipal entity-such as a city or university. The Center was created by and is supported by the community it serves, making it uniquely positioned as an independent, entrepreneurial-focused, non-profit arts organization. We serve to Enrich, Educate and Entertain - Connecting Our Community through the Arts.