La Posada returns to Louisville this week to celebrate Latin culture, holiday traditions

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A holiday celebration of Latin culture is returning to Louisville this week.

The fourth annual La Posada will be held at Logan Street Market on Thursday starting at 5:30 p.m. FOKO, community partners and a team of volunteers put on the free event.

La Posada is a Mexican Christmas tradition that involves a procession of carolers, food, drinks, and piñatas. Valentina Cruz wanted to introduce the tradition to her Latinx students years ago.

"I was just trying to share with my students what I grew up with in Mexico," Cruz said. "The community, the love and the care we have for one another. Those traditions have made me the person that I am. Very tolerant, open-hearted and welcoming."

Francisco Garcia, co-owner and chef of FOKO, has helped host the holiday event since it started in 2021. The free community event features local artists, musicians and performers.

"Every year we try to implement different ideas," said Garcia, who came to Louisville from Mexico 13 years ago. "It's a great way to close the year, everyone has good energy."

There will be piñatas, Mariachi bands and a DJ later in the evening.

Garcia and a team of volunteers are preparing the free food, including 1,000 tamales.

On Sunday, Sara Busaleh and other artists worked on a mural for La Posada. She said the event has grown exponentially since it started. Last year, there were more than 600 attendees. 

"It's an event for everybody. Even if you are an introverted person this event will get you out of your shell because there are some things you will like," Busaleh said. "The music, the food, the dancing, the ambience is really nice."

The event that goes until 11:30 p.m. is open to anyone. It's a way to celebrate tradition and introduce new cultures to the community. 

"It's important because it represents our identity and our history," said Cruz. "We don't know where we're going if we don't know where we're coming from. Louisville is a very special place for me in my heart because we have people from different backgrounds."

Volunteers are still needed to help host the event. To register as a volunteer, click here.

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