My second night in Laredo my brother and sister-in-law invited me to a party that included a posada. My idea of a posada – a ninety year old colonial style hotel overlooking the Rio Grande that originally was a convent and then the public school my father went to. Dictionary definition: A Christmas festival originating in Latin America that dramatizes the search of Joseph and Mary for lodging. And yes, I have heard of posadas but I’ve never participated in one.
I wasn’t sure I wanted to go to the party. I’ve visited Laredo many times through the years but haven’t lived here for years. Not knowing if I would know anyone, or how friendly and welcoming they would or wouldn’t be, concerned me - insecurities I’m sure. What I remember about people in Laredo are the cars they drive - Cadillacs, Hummers, Mercedes or living in the exclusive neighborhoods, wearing the right brands – Gucci, Armani, and many I’m not familiar with and wearing Rolexes. A past time might be shopping at Joe Brand’s, a specialty designer smaller department store. I’d rather buy a ski pass than spend money on fluff. I shop at TJ Maxx and Loehman’s and brag about the $600 suit I purchased for $70 or the $130 pair of jeans I found for $25. I drive a 1999 Camry and am glad it’s paid for. My sister-in-law convinced me to go when she said, “You said you wanted to do things that were different – here’s your chance.”
We drove into a gated community to the house where fifteen to twenty cars lined either side of the street. As we carefully walked on the pebble stone driveway on this misty, 40 degree night, my brother’s friend, John, the owner of the house was on the phone outside. He had on Birkenstocks and socks – I felt perhaps I was in Boulder, Colorado, not Laredo, Texas – instantly at home – although I gave up Birkenstocks and socks some time ago.
The buzzing of voices from the forty or so guests hit me as we walked in to deposit our coats in the front office. The wine was on the front counter and I knew a small glass would help me let go of any tension. In the sunken living room was the biggest display of nativity sets. I can only imagine the hours John his wife, Conchita and perhaps their children had painstakingly unwrapped and delicately handled each piece. It brought back memories of visiting Santa Claus as a five-year old child at Joske’s, a (now defunct) department store in San Antonio, Texas seeing the elaborate Christmas themed train set and decorations. My discomfort disappeared and for the second time this holiday season, I felt joy at being around these festivities. (See my previous blog entry).
A folded sheet with the words for the posada songs was distributed. Okay, when I visit Laredo, I know the weather will be in the 70’s in the winter. Not this night and the women were asked to go outside and feel the moist cold that penetrated through our coats. The men stayed inside. We began at the back of the house by the kitchen and sang the first verse in Spanish where Joseph asks for shelter. The men sang there was no inn at the first door. We moved to another back door where we sang the third verse asking for shelter. And again, they sang back to let them sleep, they were not opening the door. In between everyone prayed Hail Mary and walked around to the front door to sing the next verse. The men sang back letting us in to the living room where we all sang in chorus. In English the last verse is:
Blessed is the house
that shelters this day
the purest Virgin,
the beautiful Mary.
And I have to admit, although I have a daily spirtitual practice, believe in the goodness of people and have a strong faith, I am not at all religious. I respect other people's faith and believe in praying. That night I admired the ritual I witnessed and the brief time we were outside was fine.
Then it was time for this wonderful homemade dinner including encilantradas – chicken in a spicy tomatillo cilantro sauce, tamales, salsa, turkey, tortillas, salad, frijoles borachos, arroz estofado, mini corn tortillas – a delicious rice dish generously topped with Muenster cheese. John mentioned that all the recipes were originally Conchita’s mom and she and several of her relatives and friends contributed to the delicious feast – nothing at all from Costco or Sam’s at this gathering.
As we were eating, my brother and sister-in-law introduced me to their friends. And I recognized several from way, way back. Cha Cha lived with her grandmother for nine months when I was three two door away from my home in the late 50's - yes hard to admit it was that long ago. I also remembered most of her brothers and sisters. Conchita played a queen when she was in eighth grade and I was in third or fourth grade at the same school. Everyone was so welcoming, gracious, friendly and I wondered why I anticipate that people may not exactly be friendly in Laredo. Is it me thinking this? Apparently in this group it certainly was. And I feel fortunate and thankful to be a part of it.
