The frosty, frigid winter of Minnesota posed no obstacle for the long-celebrated tradition of Posadas. Gathered in the porch of Maria and Jose Luis Ubaldo's home, the pilgrims sang holding lit candles and celebrating a Christmas tradition close to their hearts.

Like many Latin American traditions, Posadas dates back to colonial times. Posadas, which translates to mean lodging or shelter, is celebrated from Dec. 16 to 24. The nine nights of processions recreate Joseph and Mary's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

"This is a time of reflection. To think of what God wants for us. It is a time to stay united, and keep our faith and traditions even though it may be hard because of circumstances like weather," said Oralia Reyes, organizer of the event.

Her two children, Jacqueline and Steven, were dressed as Mary and Joseph and stood in the middle of the group next to the brilliant manger. They placed the dolls in the festive, colorful wood frame of a doll-like house filled with figurines of baby Jesus, the wisemen and stable animals.

"Back in my town we prayed the rosary at the church, then a processional carrying the dolls, that represented the Christ Child and Mary and Joseph were carried for several blocks. Sometimes we even had a burro that carried the child or woman dressed as Mary," said Mario Leal, who is from Mexico.

Once the pilgrims arrive to the pre-chosen house, the group is divided in two. One goes outside of the house and the other stays inside and acts out the scene of when Joseph and Mary asked for shelter.

The lodgers welcome the pilgrims, and Joseph and Mary. The group blows the candles out and sing religious songs or Christmas carols called alguinados.

Usually the children of the house where of Posada is held dress as Mary and Joseph. Whomever hosts the Posada also provides food.

Traditional dishes like tamales, atole and champurrado, a creamy drink made of a mixture of flour, chocolates and spices, are served.

One of the highlights of the Christmas fiesta is the pinata, Leal explained. The star-shaped object is filled with fruits, sweets and small toys, which children take turns hitting until it breaks. The hosts also provides sweets in small bags for the children called coleccion.

"We started doing Posadas in 1992. There used to be only three Hispanic families and with time more families moved to town," Oralia said.

She explained as a way for new members of the church and community to get to know each other, Posadas are offered to new faces.

"Posadas are for everyone," Oralia said proudly.

The dolls are left at the chosen home and picked up on the next night when the procession begins again. It continues for eight more nights until Christmas, commemorating the long journey to Bethlehem.

Through the course of the night, people ate, joked and laughed. Children of all ages with sticky fingers and adults with full bellies and nostalgic happy smiles said their good-byes and made arrangements for the following night.

There will be a pinata after the 11 a.m. Mass Sunday at the Queen of Angeles Church.

Roxana can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto:roxana.orellana@austindailyherald.com