Frank X. Moraga
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805
The mystery and the magic of the holiday season is upon us with groups planning celebrations up and down the coast.
The first weekend in December typically marks the beginning of holiday celebrations in the region, with Oxnard holding its 64th annual “Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony” at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5, followed by its annual parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.
Ventura will hold its tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, followed by the “Holiday Street Fair” from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.
Santa Barbara’s “Downtown Holiday Parade” begins at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5, and San Luis Obispo will present its 39th annual “Holiday Parade” at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5.
Olivas Adobe will present its annual “Candlelight Tour” from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura.
California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks will hold its annual Las Posadas celebration from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7.
The festive event dates back to the 16th century and is typically celebrated from Dec. 16 through Dec. 24. In Spanish, “Las Posadas” means shelter or inn.
Students representing Mary and Joseph will travel by donkey through campus seeking shelter for the birth of their son Jesus. They will begin their journey at the Ahmanson Science Center and travel to the Lundring Events Center with other students, staff and visitors holding candles.
The evening will conclude with a piñata and refreshments of hot chocolate and pan dulce (sweet bread).
The Ahmanson Science Center is at 3260 Pioneer Ave., near Memorial Parkway on the Thousand Oaks campus.
The event is presented by CLU’s Office of Multicultural Programs and International Student Services, the Latin American Student Organization and the Department of Languages and Cultures. Contact Daniel Lawrence at lawrence@callutheran.edu for more information.
The 24th annual Una Noche de Las Posadas will be celebrated at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, 123 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara. La Pastorela will be presented at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21 beginning at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. Presented by the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, Una Noche de Las Posadas, a one-night version of the celebration, begins with traditional holiday songs performed in the candlelit Presidio Chapel by El Coro del Real Presidio de Santa Bárbara. Guests are invited to join the choir in a procession led by children portraying an angel, Joseph and Mary as well as their small burro as they stroll and sing their way to State Street and into De la Guerra Plaza, in search of lodging. La Pastorela is the tale of the pastores’ (shepherds) journey to Bethlehem to witness the birth of Christ. Call 805-965-0093 or visit www.sbthp.org for more information.
Another important event during the holiday season is the Feast de la Virgen de Guadalupe, which is celebrated in Mexico and in Latino communities throughout the United States.
In Mexico, many thousands of the faithful arrive in Mexico City to make a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Guadalupe to view the image of la Virgen Morena (the Dark Virgin). It is said to be the most visited Catholic pilgrimage destination in the world. By car, bus, bicycle and by foot, they all arrive, many making their way to the basilica on their knees to show their devotion.
To get the latest schedule of events in Oxnard, visit Our Lady of Guadalupe on Facebook or http://www.olgoxnard.com, or call 805-483-0987.
Also contact Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 427 N. Oak St., in Santa Paula at 805-525-3716 and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 227 N. Nopal St., Santa Barbara at 805-965-4060 to get information on any events in those cities.
Wishing you all a very happy and safe holiday season.
— Frank X. Moraga is editor/publisher of Amigos805. He has served as business editor, director of diversity and general manager of a bilingual publication at the Ventura County Star, and as a reporter in the community editions of the Orange County Register and Los Angeles Daily News.