Baldwin Park this month gathered members of youth clubs, the Kiwanis Club and the senior center, as well as parishioners from the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, to celebrate Las Posadas, a cultural tradition in Mexico commemorating Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus Christ.

More than 1,000 attendees celebrated Mass on Friday and then proceeded in candlelight to the newly opened Susan Rubio Zocalo Park, where children received Posada candy bags and joined a piñata raffle.

All were invited to partake in traditional treats such as tamales, buñuelos, café de olla and ponche.

The celebration is a testament to Baldwin Park’s vibrant community and its Latino population, which makes up approximately 75% of the city. Mayor Alejandra Avila said the annual Posada is one of the most treasured events of the year.

“It reminds us of faith, community spirit and the reason for the season,” she said.