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A group of local children commorated Las Posadas, a traditional Mexican celebration that reenacts Joseph and Mary's search for an inn in Bethlehem. Onlookers admire the Nativity scene. //Mike McAndrew/Staff
Despite the day's light rain and gusty winds, the holiday season came to life Sunday afternoon at the Dana Adobe in Nipomo.
With umbrellas in hand, a group of children dressed in period costumes started the Christmas festivities with Las Posadas, a traditional Mexican celebration that reenacts Joseph and Mary's search for shelter in Bethlehem, outside the adobe.
Carolers huddled under the roof of the adobe and sang traditional songs in Spanish and English, as the children passed from one door to the other, looking for a place to stay.
Helen Daurio, docent director of the Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos (DANA), said the event was supposed to celebrate the blending of two cultures.
“It represents the Mexican tradition of Las Posadas and the tradition of Californian hospitality,” she said.
The adobe belonged to Capt. William Goodwin Dana, who was granted Rancho Nipomo, a 37,888-acre rancho, in 1837. Dana and his wife Maria Josefa Carrillo made the rancho a hospitable stopping place for travelers, including Capt. John C. Fremont, Edwin Bryant and Gen. Henry W. Halleck, Daurio said.
Over time, the ranch became a stage stop and in 1847 it was one of four designated exchange points on California's first U.S. mail route, Daurio said.
After the procession, dozens of community members enjoyed cookies and hot apple cider on the front porch.
Sunday's downpour didn't interrupt the breaking of the piņata, however.
Jessica Houghton, 12, said she didn't allow the rain to get in the way of grabbing candy.
“My purse is full,” she joked.
Jubilee Nordwall, 15, was one of the carolers who participated in the procession. She said she had a good time in spite of the chill and the rain.
Nordwall said her favorite part of the celebration was the singing.
“It was fun learning how to sing carols in Spanish,” she said.
Jeannie Hardestry, one of the docents, said she was pleased with the turnout in spite of the weather.
“People still seem to be having a good time celebrating the season,” she said. “The kids are having a good time in spite of the rain.”
Kimberlina Rocha can be reached at 739-2216 or
krocha@santamariatimes.com.
Dec. 11, 2006
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