MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — The Middletown Art Center invites the entire community to a festive Christmas in Middletown and Posadas Navideñas celebration on Saturday, Dec. 14.

The event will take place from 3 to 8 p.m.

Join them for an afternoon and evening filled with music, food, culture and community spirit for participants of all ages.

The festivities kick off at 3 p.m. with music and caroling at 3:30 p.m. led by local talents Carlos Garay, Victor Hall and David Bacerra-Lopez.

That will be followed by festive piñata-breaking at 4 p.m. for ages 4 to 11.

There will be a second round of caroling at 7 p.m. followed by piñata-breaking for ages 11 and up at 7:30 p.m. The large, vibrantly colored piñatas were created during a community workshop at MAC last weekend for this holiday event.

Festivities at MAC this year build on the success of last year’s well-attended Posadas Navideñas and the Raíces Hermosas exhibit, school field trips and related events. These established a foundation for intercultural sharing to uplift local Mexican and Latin American communities and their cultural traditions

Las Posadas has been a Mexican tradition for over 400 years that is also celebrated in Guatemala and Honduras.

It commemorates the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph’s search for shelter, with festivities including food, music and piñatas.

Today, Las Posadas transcends its religious roots and is a joyful, inclusive cultural celebration embraced by people of all beliefs. MAC is honored to continue this tradition as part of its commitment to creating an inclusive space for cultural celebrations and artistic expression.

“Bringing Las Posadas to Middletown brings a little piece of home for families that originate from Mexico and provides an opportunity for first-generation children to connect with their ancestral traditions,” said Gilberto Rangel, HSRA coordinator at Lake County Tribal Health and Konocti School Board member. “This approach strengthens our community by fostering understanding and connection across diverse backgrounds.”

Cultural activities at MAC this year are partially funded by a mini grant from Lake County Behavioral Health Services through community based mini grant funding, and by Lake County Tribal Health.

For more information about how you can support the Middletown Art Center’s intercultural programs, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., visit https://middletownartcenter.org/index.html or call/text 707-355-4465.

The Middletown Art Center is a Lake County nonprofit dedicated to fostering art education, appreciation and creation.

Through exhibitions, workshops, and events, MAC serves as a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, striving to build community connections and celebrate the richness of our shared cultural heritage.