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Downtown elementary school celebrates 87th annual Las Posadas Festival

Students act out Mary and Joseph's journey right before Jesus' birth
87th annual Las Posadas
Posted at 10:38 PM, Dec 15, 2023
and last updated 2023-12-16 00:38:17-05

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Since 1937, Carrillo Elementary School students in Barrio Viejo Tucsonans have celebrated Las Posadas.

The 87-year tradition brings the community together to celebrate the journey of Mary and Joseph to find shelter before Jesus' birth.

“Its a big honor and a big responsibility to make sure we carry out this event appropriately," expressed Kirsten Bittel, principal of Carrillo Elementary.

This festival featured:

  • Food
  • Live music
  • Procession lasting until 8 p.m.

For the students, it gives them an opportunity to learn about this tradition within Mexican culture.

“It's an honor for me and to carry the nacimiento for my music teacher Ms. Herrera out to let me join Posadas and my last year here, in Carrillo," said Ilaria, a fifth grader at Carrillo.

Donations at the event give back to the community and help raise money for next year's Las Posadas festival.

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Blake Phillips is a reporter for KGUN 9. Originally from St. Louis, Mo., Blake grew up in Sierra Vista. During his college tenure at the Missouri School of Journalism, Blake worked for the NBC affiliate KOMU-TV in Columbia. He is excited to return to a place he calls home and give back to the community in which he grew up. Share your story ideas and important issues with Blake by emailing blake.phillips@kgun9.com.