Edith Gomez
Staff Writer
The Latino Student Forum hosted its 24th annual Posada Dec. 2 on Citrus Lawn. Roughly 80 University community members showed up to take part and enjoy traditional food, prizes and performances.
Las Posadas is a traditional Latin American celebration, lasting from Dec.16 to Dec. 24, to honor Joseph and Mary’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
The term Posada translates to lodgings or inns and commemorates their difficult journey to finding a warm place to stay the night. Celebrated during the nine days before Christmas, it represents the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy. It is marked by gatherings of family and friends with lots of food and religious practices.
Although Las Posadas has a strong religious background, it means more than that. It symbolizes strengthening the community through activities and food.
The LSF event offered a variety of foods for students to enjoy.
Mochi donuts and hot chocolate were served at the beginning, along with a red ticket to enjoy some made-to-order tacos with various sides.
Options included carne asada and carnitas, salsa, chips, rice and beans, horchata and agua de piña, or pineapple water.
Daniel Loera, director of multicultural affairs, said the event has changed during the past 20 years.
In the past, the Latino Student Forum would extend the invitation to families of the members and the community outside the school. Members used to go out to the surrounding neighborhoods and extend the invitation personally along with collecting a census to collect toys for children. They would fundraise to have these presents for children at the event.
The event was dialed back during the past two years thanks to COVID, but the notion of bringing the La Verne community together and celebrating Latinx culture has remained strong.
Students seemed to appreciate this year’s festivities.
“I love that our campus has events like these for students to enjoy,” said Niratchaya Sanguansab, senior business administration major. “We all know how diverse ULV is, and I think it’s good that all students from different backgrounds get to learn about one another.”
Valeria Gonzalez, senior art major, said she appreciated having her culture represented on campus. It was her first time attending an LSF event, she said, adding that she had a great time.
“I just appreciate my culture a lot more when I see (it) in a different space,” Gonzalez said. “I love it so much more.”
Edith Gomez can be reached at edith.gomez@laverne.edu.
Edith Gomez is a senior communications major with a concentration in public affairs.
