December 13, 2023

Las Posadas offered festive fun for students, faculty, staff, and neighbors

During Las Posadas a group of carolers walk through the Quad as the trees are lit with lights in the background.

During Lafayette’s first celebration of “Las Posadas,” students, faculty, staff, and neighbors were invited to gather together for a festive night of caroling through campus that ended with a stop at the President’s House.

Participants learned about the history and significance of Las Posadas, practiced holiday songs in Spanish, and carried musical instruments or battery-operated candles as they strolled through campus. 

“I wanted to host this event because I wanted to bring some joy to the end of the semester, especially in these troubling times, and celebrate a Latin American tradition of hope and hospitality,” says Katie Stafford, associate professor of languages and literary studies. “Singing together can be a really beautiful act, and very fun too!”

All were welcome at the Dec. 7 event, which was sponsored by the President’s Office, Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, Hispanic Society of Lafayette, and Languages and Literary Studies Department. Jaidan Marano ’25 provided guitar accompaniment.

At Skillman Library, the group sang for students studying for finals. In the Dyer Center, the group serenaded those working on projects. The group even caroled in the middle of Farinon Atrium before making its way to the President’s House. President Nicole Hurd welcomed the group inside and offered holiday treats and cocoa for the carolers.

“The tradition of Las Posadas is one of showing hospitality to your neighbors, so it was especially fitting that we ended at President Hurd’s house and were welcomed into her home as our final stop of the evening,” says College Chaplain Alex Hendrickson. “I hope this will be an ongoing tradition at Lafayette.”

A group of kids and adults sang during Las Posadas at the library.
A Las Posadas songbook guided the carolers through the songs.
Prof. Katie Stafford leads the group through carols as Chaplain Hendrickson looks on.
To kick off Las Posadas a group of faculty, staff, students, and community members gathered in Kirby Hall to learn holiday songs in Spanish.
Las Posadas carolers serenaded students at the Dyer Center.
The Las Posadas group arrives at the porch of the President's House and a little girl dressed as an angel knocks on the door.
Carolers sing inside Skillman Library during Las Posadas.
Jaidan Marano ’25 provided guitar accompaniment for the group of carolers during Las Posadas (shown in Farinon)
President Hurd greets carolers during Las Posadas.
Carolers sing inside the President's House during Las Posadas.
A group of carolers sings inside the President's House.