Las Posadas has been a part of Olvera Street since its founding in 1930, and now for several nights each December, Los Angeles residents and visitors gather to watch as shepherds — known as pastores — are led by an angel to ask for shelter at one of the shops on Olvera Street.
In the biblical story, Joseph and Mary — who was pregnant with Christ — were on their journey to Bethlehem because of a census ordered by the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus that required all people to register in their ancestral home.
And because so many people were traveling back to their original homes, Mary and Joseph were turned away from an inn in Bethlehem that had no room.
“Las Posadas” means “the inns” in Spanish, referring to the inns that Mary and Joseph sought shelter in during their journey — a key part of the Christmas story.
Several of L.A.’s most historic buildings are on the brick-lined block of Olvera Street, and the Las Posada procession begins and ends at Avila Adobe, the oldest home in the city built in 1818 by Francisco Ávila.
According to hosts of the event, reenacting the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem with traditional songs, colorful costumes, and vibrant music brings one of the oldest Christmas stories to life. As they note, “While the event is rooted in Christian and Catholic traditions, all are welcome to participate.”