First annual Las Posadas draws large crowd of carolers

BREWSTER – The first annual Las Posadas or Festival of The Inns drew a large and mixed crowd of carolers to the city’s downtown Main Street last Friday evening, Dec. 23.
“We had a good turnout of 70 to 80 people including kids and adults from both the local community and outside the area,” said Emmanuel “Manny” Hurtado who, along with brother Martin, organized the event.
Despite the freezing temperature the group gathered at La Milpa at 324 Main Street and began its caroling trek to business doors where, according to tradition, the wanderers were turned away until they found sanctuary at their final stop at the Armory at Sixth and Main.
“We were outside for 30 to 45 minutes and it was cold,” said Hurtado, “but everyone was bundled up.”
The carolers spent about two hours at the Armory, according to Hurtado, where everyone enjoyed the warmth, tamales, refreshments and piñatas.
“We also had a guest pastor from Spokane,” Hurtado said.
Hurtado said the turnout was “better than expected” considering the cold weather and plans are already underway to hold the second annual Las Posadas next year.