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Las Posadas 2021

December 5, 2021 | Jessica Smith

Las Posadas, a Mexican celebration, has been a tradition of Mustard Seed School since the beginning. It began as a way to honor the strong Latinx presence in Hoboken when the school first opened and to help students and families embody the Christmas story by walking alongside Mary and Joseph as they look for a place to stay. Las Posadas is a  celebration full of deep meaning and great fun.  Together, we walk in solidarity with those who are searching for shelter as we remember the humble way that Jesus came into the world. We celebrate Christ’s coming as a light for all people.

Want to know more about the Mexican tradition of Las Posadas? Wondering what Mustard Seed’s celebration will look like this year? Watch the video below for more details

Las Posadas FAQs for 2021
On Friday, December 17th, all students in grades K-8 and their families are invited to participate in Las Posadas.  This year, participation is optional due to the pandemic. We will have our annual procession. In place of our usual Christmas concert, we will have a carol sing and Mariachi music at the gazebo at Church Square Park. Masks are required for all.  

Schedule
6:10pm – Grades 7 & 8 gather in the gym
6:15pm – PROS, Teachers, 7th & 8th grade arrive at the gazebo in Church Square Park
6:20pm – Students in grades K-6 arrive at the park and gather with their class
6:30pm – Procession begins
6:50pm – Procession ends at Mustard Seed, students dismissed to their parents
7:00pm – Carol sing and Mariachi music at the gazebo at Church Square Park

What do we wear?
It is traditional for people to come to Las Posadas dressed as a shepherd, angel, sheep, or  Bethlehem villager.  Students and parents are encouraged to wear a simple costume to help enter the Christmas story and celebratory fun!

Where should parents be in the procession?
During the procession, students will walk with their classmates.  Parents and any younger siblings are welcome to join them.  We encourage parents to help the teachers keep all the children together as a class.  We are a big group, so try to pack in close when we stop so that our procession is not strung far off down the street. Some classes will stop ahead of the main star and will need to turn around to see Mary and Joseph.

What is the song we sing as we process?
We all sing “Canción de Las Posadas” as we process. The sheet music is here as well as a video here! Please sing with us!

Jessica Smith

Music Teacher, Preschool and Grades 6-8; Worship Coordinator

With more than 20 years experience teaching music in a variety of settings from elementary to college, Dr. Jessica Smith has a deep love for music education, integrated arts curriculum, world music, and worship.
In 2017, Smith traveled to Ghana to study West African drumming and dance as part of a fellowship from Fund for Teachers. In 2015, she completed four years of training to become a Guild Certified Feldenkrais™ Practitioner, a method that uses neuroscience and movement as a catalyst for potent learning. As a clinician, Smith has led workshops in vocal studies and drum circle facilitation. Before coming to Mustard Seed School in 2008, Smith was the Director of Preparatory & Continuing Studies at the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music where she also served as a Visiting Professor.

Dr. Smith enjoys traveling and spending too much money on plants at the Union Square Greenmarket.

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