The University of Texas Elementary School added some global flair to the traditional Posada, a Mexican Christmas celebration, by acknowledging the holiday traditions of many cultures including Puerto Rican, Moroccan, Chinese and more.
“This year we wanted to make Posada different, we wanted to incorporate all the different cultures that we share here at UT Elementary,” said Maria Estela Rafonne, bilingual teaching assistant and coordinator of Posada. She explained that it was also a way to provide students, staff and parents a sense of community within the school.
The event on Dec. 3, featured different cultural stations decorated to reflect how different cultures celebrate the December holiday season. The students learned about what various cultures eat and wear as part of their holiday traditions. Parents prepared all of the food for the celebration and students sang Christmas carols in several languages to a delighted crowd.
“Posada was an extraordinary combination of culture, community and learning,” said Dr. Ben Kramer, principal. “It was so moving to hear the voices of our students and staff ringing out in the night and bringing us all together.”
Kramer added, “Posada could not happen without the entire support of the school, from the administrative staff to the students working together as a community to produce great events that teach the importance of family, togetherness and support.
