Last weekend our Bunny Run neighborhood, located just off the Capital of Texas Highway at the Pennybacker Bridge, celebrated a community tradition we've come to love. Las Posadas is a popular Mexican celebration that recreates the search of Mary and Joseph for a place for the birth of Jesus. Variations of the tradition are celebrated throughout parts of the Southwest U.S., and neighborhood leaders here in Austin have created our own version of the event.
I'm terrible at estimating crowds, but somewhere around 80-100 neighbors of all ages gathered for the annual Las Posadas at the home of Tom and Sharon Burns. The weather turned out perfect for the outdoor event. Two fire pits kept the revelers warm, and tables set up in the garage were loaded with offerings from great cooks - a variety of salads, veggies, and 26 dozen tamales complete with chili and cheese.
Desserts? Chocolate was definitely the flavor of the evening, and I especially enjoyed my mom's world-famous (well, they should be) brownies. And my compliments to whoever made the Zebra White- and Milk-Chocolate Cheesecake. It was divine!
Bursting open the contents of two pinatas is always a highlight of Las Posadas. The younger tykes swung the bat at a Santa pinata, then older kids pummeled a star-shaped pinata.
This was a very special evening for me. Our modern lifestyles keep us so busy that we have few oocasions for gathering as a community and just enjoying each other's company. Everybody brought card tables and chairs, something special to eat or drink, and their holiday spirit.
Check out my Flickr photos of Las Posadas 2006 as well as some photos of the Christmas lights in the Bunny Run neighborhood. I'll be posting some more Christmas lights photos soon, so bookmark the link for a return visit!
Neighbors, please feel free to leave a comment with your views about Las Posadas 2006. And for those of you not fortunate enough to live in our wonderful Bunny Run neighborhood, what kind of community celebrations do you enjoy?
I'm afraid there aren't that many celebrations in my neighborhood, unless you count the crack parties they have next door. I haven't been to one yet, but your blog has inspired me with the community spirit.
By the way, let me know if you need any help over there at Anthony Barnum. I am ready to get OUT OF HERE!!! :)
Posted by: Cassandra | December 28, 2006 at 04:13 PM
Crack parties - now that's taking the community spirit a little too far! LOL
You must really need a change of scenery, friend. Good to hear from you!
Posted by: Connie | December 28, 2006 at 04:22 PM