It was much warmer this year than in years past as Hispanics United for Perry (HUP) hosted their annual Las Posadas celebration Friday night.

Las Posadas literally translates to “The Inns,” and it’s an important tradition throughout Latin America that tells the story of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter for the birth of Jesus. A key aspect of the celebration is a processional through the public with traditional music, and HUP has their own version that they conduct each December. The evening began with an ecumenical service at First Christian Church, which was conducted in both English and Spanish. Following that, attendees took up lanterns and candles and followed two local children who were chosen to portray Mary and Joseph.

The procession made three stops along 2nd street, with some of the group going inside the businesses and the rest staying outside. They sang back and forth to each other, with the outside requesting shelter, and the inside explaining there’s no room. The participants then arrived at First United Methodist Church, where they were at last welcomed in and treated to a free-will donation meal provided by HUP, as well as crafts. All proceeds go to the organization’s scholarship fund.

HUP representative Mary Murphy said she was happy with how the event turned out, adding that the mild weather made the procession much easier than it has been in previous years.