Area residents are invited to take part in Las Posadas-a Mexican Christmas tradition re-enacting the story of Christ's birth-being held Thursday, Dec. 5, on the campus of Wilson College. The celebration will run from 6 to 8 p.m., starting at the Brooks Science Center and ending with a meal in Laird Hall.

In the Mexican culture, Las Posadas re-enacts the Nativity story, following the journey Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a refuge where Mary could give birth. When they were unable to find lodging in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary sought shelter in a stable, where Jesus was born.

During the Wilson celebration, children will walk on luminary-lighted paths around the campus, seeking "shelter" for their group. They will visit three buildings on campus, with the Wilson College Choir leading the group in traditional Posadas songs as they walk. All participants are invited to take part in an interactive Christmas play that will take place along the walk. A bilingual script will be provided.

The group's search for shelter will end at Laird Hall, where a celebration with prayer, music and authentic Mexican pozole (a traditional pork stew served at Christmas), tamales and appetizers provided by Chambersburg's Veroni Cafe will conclude the celebration. Children will be treated to a piñata after dinner.

Learning Campus, Wilson’s after-school tutoring program for the children of migrant families, is hosting and co-sponsoring the celebration, along with the Wilson College Choir, Spanish Club, Muhibbah Club, Learning Campus Club, Office of Student Development, chaplain’s office and the Office of Marketing and Communications.

Learning Campus sponsored the first Las Posadas re-enactment on the Wilson campus in 2017.