Posada, Pastorela, Party!

Our celebration of Christmas Latin American-style is just around the corner, coming to El Centro Milagro this Sunday from 1-5pm, and we couldn't be more excited!

One of the most endearing and and traditional aspects of our event is the call-and-response "song at the inn", which gives this holiday party its name: posada is Spanish for "inn", and the song is traditionally performed by the guests on one side of the door or gate, and the hosts on the other, to get the event started. The lyrics are determined by the location of the singer, recreating the biblical story of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus: the pilgrims want in, the hosts aren't too keen until they realize just who this unusual family is. The gates are open and the celebration can begin!

Another event typical of the season is the performance known as the pastorela, or shepherds' pageant, which is an amusing reenactment of shepherds following the Star of Bethlehem, seeking the newborn Jesus. Hilarity typically ensues as emissaries from (and sometimes including or represented only by) the devil, attempt to divert, distract or deter the faithful's trek.

These elements, along with traditional foods and decorations, make for a very colorful and entertaining event for the whole family. Join us this Sunday Dec. 14 for this joyous community celebration. It's free and for the whole family!

Picture of the Day: Thank you, and "Thanks, Centro!"

First of all, a huge ¡Muchísimas gracias! to all our participants at Posada Milagro, from our dedicated staff to the volunteers and performers, and of course, to you, the supportive member of our Familia Milagro!

We also take this opportunity to thank Centro Cultural de Washington County for recognizing our founders, José E. González and Dañel Malán for "the many contributions and years of service to the State of Oregon and the Latino Community."

José and Dañel weren't able to attend Centro's award ceremony back in November, so members of their board of directors brought their awards to them!

¡Gracias a todos!



Help us to do what we do better! follow the link and fill up our winter survey, you can win tickets to any of our 2013-2014 season productions

Posada Milagro: Live blogging edition!

12:55pm: Folks are already lining up outside El Centro Milagro for Posada Milagro! And we're going to be live-blogging it for those of you who can't make it!

The next best thing to experiencing it live? You tell us!

1:15pm: WOW! El Centro Milagro is abuzz with the Familia Milagro! Smiling faces, excited folks and eager performers all awating the first show of the day at 2pm!

2:30p: Our in-house story-teller Dañel welcomes our Posada story-teller, Estela's awesome mom!
1:45pm The line is snaking towards the theatre... show very soon! In the meantime, enjoy some delicious tamales!

2:00pm Showtime! First up, the Posada songs, asking for shelter at the inn, the traditional beginning! Sing along with us, or stage your own. Sing along with us: "En el nombre del cielo..."
The pastorela or pageant associated with the posada, offers a new perspective on the Christmas story, often alluding to current events. The one presented at Posada Milagro, is titled, "Si ayer fuera hoy" (If yesterday were today)!

2:20pm Everybody sounded great! Stay posted for the video later in the week! 2pm show well underway, and while we wait for the 4pm event, we're staying busy in El Zócalo with wintertime crafts! Join us, there's still plenty to do for the entire family.
The piñatas are not to be missed!
2:35pm: You may know it as "The Mexican Clapping Song", but Ballet Papalotl knows it by it's real title: Chiapanecas!
3:10 All quiet in the theatre while the pastorela is on, but the rest of El Centro Milagro is zooming with activities! There's still time to join us for pan dulce (pastries) and champurrado (chocolate corn drink)!
4:05 Whew! Second group singing and ready to start the 4 o'clock show! All of our volunteers are doing an amazing job! But there's a special face among them, Maya Malan-Gonzalez is in the house!

Talk about celebrating en familia

6:00pm Can we put our feet up yet? It was quite the party! The 2nd performance, followed by another piñata!
Thank you so much for participating to all our performers, volunteers, and of course, community members who joined us once again for this yearly fiesta and making it a success! 

Stay tuned for more pictures on Facebook and Flickr!


Help us to do what we do better, follow the link and fill up our winter survey

Photo of the Day: Christmas decoration madness! Posada Milagro este domingo

A fabulous group of volunteers is working on the decoration of El Zócalo and El Centro Milagro, making it look nicer than ever for our Posada Milagro — Our FREE Christmas celebrations this Sunday, December 15th from 1-5 pm.Thank you Volunteers!

Help us to do what we do better, follow the link and fill up our winter survey

Photo of the day:Piñatas

The Piñatas for Posada Milagro - our free Christmas event on Sunday December 15th— are ready to be filled with delightful surprises for everyone! See you all this Sunday! Let's celebrate with family and comunidad the festivals and holidays traditions of Latin America.

Las piñatas para Posada Milagro — nuestro evento de navidad gratis el domingo 15 de diciembre— ya estan en Milagro listas para ser llenadas con ¡deliciosas sorpresas para todos!  Los esperamos a todos el domingo para celebrar en familia y comunidad de las fiestas y tradiciones navideñas de América Latina.




***Help us to do what we do better, follow the link and fill up our winter survey

Photo of the Day: ¡Muchísimas gracias! for giving at Posada Milagro

We are oh-so-jolly to open our doors this time of year for Posada Milagro, a celebration of togetherness and sharing through Latin American Christmas traditions.

Join us Sunday December 15 (1-5pm) for an event full of cheer for the whole family: storytelling, music, dance, a pastorela (folk Nativity play), and of course, the colors and flavors of this festive time of year!

We also share with those in need by collecting non-perishable foods for the Oregon Food Bank. Why not bring a few items to to Posada Milagro to put in the collection barrels? Among the most needed foods are: canned fruits, vegetables, meats (chicken, tuna, salmon, etc.) and ready to eat dishes (such as soup and chili). Boxed meals like Macaroni & Cheese, pasta, rice and cereal are also in demand. Non-perishable milk, peanut butter and cooking oil are much appreciated, as are juices in cans, boxes or plastic bottles. (Glass-bottled products must be gathered and labeled separately.) With your help, we can provide much needed assistance here in our own communities.

We are very grateful to all participants in this annual celebration of family and giving. If you cannot make it to Posada Milagro, you can drop off your donation at our office (425 SE Sixth Av.) during working hours by Friday Dec. 13, or donate directly to the Oregon Food Bank.

Thank you so much for celebrating and sharing with Milagro en familia!


****

Estamos tan alegres de abrir nuestras puertas en esta época del año para Posada Milagro, la celebración de la unión y el intercambio a las tradiciones navideñas de América Latina. Únase a nosotros este domingo 15 de diciembre de 1 a 5pm  para un evento lleno de alegría para toda la familia: hora de cuentos, música, baile, piñata, pastorela (reproducción Natividad popular), y por supuesto , ¡los colores y sabores de esta época festiva del año !

Para hacer la celebración aún más especial invitamos a todos los asistentes a hacer donaciones de alimentos no perecederos que se entregarán al Banco de Alimentos de Oregon.  Entre los alimentos que más se necesitan se encuentran: conservas de frutas, verduras, carnes (pollo, atún, salmón, etc ) y los platos preparados (como sopa y chili ). Comidas en caja como macarrones con queso, pasta, arroz y cereales también están en demanda. La leche en polvo, mantequilla de maní y aceite de cocina son muy apreciados al igual que  jugos en latas, cajas o botellas de plástico. (Los productos en  botellas de vidrio deben ser recogidos y etiquetados por separado. ) Con su ayuda, podemos brindar una mano a los más necesitados nuestras comunidad.

 Si usted no puede asistir a Posada Milagro, puede aún dejar su donación en nuestra oficina ( 425 SE Sexta Avenida . ) Durante las horas de trabajo para el viernes 13 de diciembre, o donar directamente al Banco de Alimentos de Oregon .

¡Muchas gracias por celebrar y compartir con Milagro!

It's Christmas lights time!

The holiday season is here! And in spirit of the season a very special set of Christmas lights creations are taking place now at Milagro's office. The set of chandeliers will illuminate our Zócalo during our big celebration of Posada Milagro next Sunday December 15th 1-5 pm.

Do you want to see the final result? Please join us next weekend! Posada Milagro is a free event open to the community, so come see these creations shine!

Interested in being a volunteer? We could use some help decorating El Centro Milagro a couple of days in advance and then on the morning of the event! If you have some time to spare on Thursday, December 12^th  between 1-5pm; or anytime on Sunday, December 15^th, from 9am-6:30pm, please sign up via VolunteerSpot!

1.       Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/BoHcQZ 2.       Review the activities listed and choose the one(s) you like. 3.       Sign up! It’s Easy — you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on VolunteerSpot. Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.

Posada Milagro and the Pastorela: irreverent revels

Español abajo

One of the most colorful Christmas traditions is a pageant surrounding the biblical story of the Nativity, and the reverence of the occasion has given way to a delightful and whimsical genre, particularly in Mexico, commonly known as "pastorelas". This December 15 Milagro brings you the opportunity to witness one for yourself at Posada Milagro, our annual community celebration!

The word posada itself refers to the inn Joseph and Mary sought while in Bethlehem, and pastorela to the shepherds and other peasants whose wish to see the new-born Jesus provides a great deal of the storyline. Comic characters, often including one or more fumbling demons, move the narrative along, with a typical message of repentance by the bad guys and rejoicing by the righteous once good triumphs over evil.

During Posada Milagro, a pastorela will be presented in Spanish during two performance slots, 2pm and 4pm, with additional performances by Ballet Papalotl, Cosecha Mestiza and more. Tickets will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 1pm, so make sure to arrive early.

There will be activities for the whole family, including a piñata, storytelling, crafts and traditional Latin American treats for purchase. Come experience Navidad en familia!

Posada Milagro y Pastorela: diversión irreverente

Una de las tradiciones navideñas más coloridas es la recreación de la historia bíblica de la Natividad, y la reverencia típica de la ocasión ha abierto paso a un género con un tono más divertido y burlón, sobre todo en México, conocidas comúnmente como pastorelas. Este 15 de diciembre Milagro le brinda la oportunidad de presenciar una en Posada Milagro, nuestra celebración comunitaria anual!

La palabra posada se refiere a aquella que José y María buscaban en Belén, y "pastorela" a los pastores y otros campesinos cuyo deseo de ver a Jesús recién nacido impulsa gran parte de la historia. Personajes cómicos, incluso frecuentemente uno o más demonios torpes, contribuyen parte de la narrativa, con un mensaje típico de arrepentimiento por los malos y se regocijo por los justos de una vez que el bien triunfa sobre el mal.

Durante Posada Milagro se presentará una pastorela  en español durante dos horarios,  2pm y 4pm, con actuaciones adicionales por Ballet Papálotl, Cosecha Mestiza y más. Los boletos serán distribuídos por orden de llegada comenzando a la 1pm., por lo que se recomienda llegar temprano.

Habrá actividades para toda la familia, incluyendo piñata, cuentos, artesanías y dulces tradicionales latinoamericanos a la venta. ¡Venga y celebre Navidad en familia!

Meet the sponsors!

The holiday season is around the corner and here at Milagro we can't wait to share the warm of out Latino roots and Christmas traditions with all Portland during our annual celebration of Posada Milagro — December 15, 2013 from 1 pm  to 5 pm. The free family Christmas celebration full of activities for kids, live music, dance, theatre, food and a lot of fun would not be possible without the support and help of the sponsors

 TORTILLERIA Y TIENDA DE LEON

***

La temporada navideña se encuentra a la vuelta de la esquina y aquí en Milagro no podemos esperar por compartir la calidez de nuestras raíces latinas y nuestras tradicionales celebraciones Navideñas con todos durante nuestra celebración anual Posada Milagro - 15 de diciembre 2013 1 pm a 5 pm ..

La celebración familiar, completamente gratis, llena de actividades para los niños, música en vivo, danza, teatro, comida y mucha diversión no sería posible sin el apoyo de nuestros aliados en la comunidad, nuestros generosos donantes y los patrocinadores del evento. Unase hoy  a nosotros en este saludo y agradecimiento a los patrocinadores del evento.

No room at the inn? Come to Milagro!

The holiday season gives us a break from our busy life, reminding us the values of family and community. In many Latin American countries festivities known as Posadas (Pastorelas or Novenas) Navideñas are a vital part of the holiday celebrations, linked to religious observances and the Nativity tale of the search for an inn. Kids and adults join and celebrate community, love and Christmas.

Milagro is happy to once again open its doors for the annual celebration, Posada Milagro. Joins us Sunday December 15th between 1p.m and 5p.m for this traditional fiesta with theatre, music, dance, food and fun for the whole family. This year’s event will feature 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. performances of an original pastorela (Christmas pageant), live music by Cosecha Mestiza and others; and folk dance by Ballet Papalotl. Throughout the afternoon there also be arts and crafts activities for kids, storytelling for children under 5, a piñata for all ages and, of course, traditional treats for purchase.

Guests are encouraged to bring donations of canned food for the Oregon Food Bank. Admission to the event is free, but performances are limited to ticket-holders only. Free tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the theatre beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday Dec. 15.

Posada Milagro 2012

Posada Milagro 2012, a set on Flickr.

Check out all these great photos from yesterday's Posada Milagro, our annual holiday celebration at El Centro Milagro featuring the music of Cosecha Mestiza, the dancers from Ballet Papalotl, an original pastorela by Diego Vazquez directed by CarlosAlexis Cruz, and food and drink from Tortilleria De Leon, plus dozens of other artists and volunteers and more!

Photo of the Day: Dec. 16, 2012

December 16, 2012, a photo by Miracle Theatre Group on Flickr.

On Sunday, Dec. 16, el Centro Milagro was filled with hundreds of people celebrating Christmas at our annual "Posada Milagro", including these young artists from Ballet Papalotl.

Photo of the Day: December 12, 2012

December 12, 2012, a photo by Miracle Theatre Group on Flickr.

It's that time of year ... time to start decorating for Sunday's Posada Milagro with the help of volunteers like Kenia Perez.

Volunteers needed to help get ready for Posada Milagro

Are you available Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012 between 1-5 p.m.?

Then come on down to Milagro!

We're looking for some volunteers to help decorate El Zócalo, Miracle’s community space at El Centro Milagro, for our upcoming Posada Milagro Christmas event!

Join Olga Sanchez & Estela Robinson as we set up the storytelling area, arts & crafts tables, photo booth and Christmas tree!

We're using VolunteerSpot to organize our upcoming activity, and here's how you can sign up to help:
   1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/7dVKCX
   2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot)
   3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders.

Easy, right? Right!

See you at Milagro!

Photo of the Day: December 5, 2012

December 5, 2012, a photo by Miracle Theatre Group on Flickr.

It's "piñata-polooza" at el Centro Milagro, as we kick off the Christmas season by getting a little crafty. More than a dozen piñatas are being handcrafted to raffle off at our upcoming Posada Milagro holiday celebration Dec. 16.

Photo of the Day: December 1, 2012

December 1, 2012, a photo by Miracle Theatre Group on Flickr.

The Pastorela 2012 ensemble for Posada Milagro! Siumara Samayoa, Adhaluz Silva, Juan Martinez, Cinthya Hymelin, Carlos Benson Martinez, director CarlosAlexis Cruz, Gersson Salazar, Guirena Santa Cruz, Martin Torres, playwright Diego Vazquez, Yessica Vazquez and their baby! Gonna be a fun show!

Posada Milagro's Rising Star!

Cosecha Mestiza

Over the years, Posada Milagro has become a fun holiday tradition for the community.  It's wonderful to see friends and families come together at El Centro Milagro year after year, and especially rewarding to see the children return, a little taller than the year before, a little more adept at striking the piñatas, a little more responsible for their younger brothers and sisters.  This holds true for the performers, too.  When Ballet Papalotl and Cosecha Mestiza perform on December 16th, it'll be great to see how the young artists have grown in their dance and music skills.

Diego Vazquez & the pastorela cast

This year we have another milestone of artistic development to look forward to, that of young writer Diego Vazquez who has penned the pastorela, a traditional shepherd's play in which the devil does all he can to keep the shepherds from arriving at the scene of the nativity.  Diego has participated with Milagro for several years, beginning with his involvement in the Pluma Nueva program which brought together students from various Portland high schools for writing and acting workshops that lead to the performance of the students' original works.  After graduating from Roosevelt High School, Diego  kept himself involved in the theatre by participating in Posada Milagro's annual pastorela and his writing has included a science fiction tale he created for his co-workers. 

So, we were thrilled when Diego called a few months ago to ask if he could write this year's play!  In his work, La Batalla (The Battle) Diego has re-imagined the traditional story into a modern day event, where the shepherds are tourists trying to locate the site of the nativity with their GPS devices.  Directed by CarlosAlexis Cruz and featuring familiar and new actors to the Milagro Theatre, we're looking forward to seeing the newest writing by our old young friend Diego Vazquez for the Posada Milagro on December 16th!

Piñatapalooza -- A Piñata-Making Party Dec. 5

Save the date -- 4 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 5 -- that's when you'll have the chance to try your own hand at making a piñata at Milagro's Piñatapolooza Party!

With day of the Dead coming to a close, we shift our attentions to Posada Milagro (Dec. 16!). And this year we have decided to have “Piñatapalooza” — a piñata-making party for friends of Milagro! We know that aside from everything else you do, you all have a visual artist and crafter inside just waiting to be set free and we’d love you to be a part of what will hopefully become a new tradition.  What we are asking is for you to create a piñata of your own design and donate it to the theatre to be raffled off during the Posada Milagro event on December 16th. All proceeds will benefit Milagro directly and be put toward facility improvements and programming.

During Posada Milagro, your pieces will be hung in our Zócalo. Guests will have the opportunity to buy a raffle ticket for $1 for the chance to choose a piñata to take home. All submissions will be photographed and credited to the artist and used in print and online for future events.

If you are interested in participating, the rules are simple:
• The design can be anything you like. Go crazy.
• Keep the size between 11in and 2ft across and 2ft tall.
• You can use papier-mâché, cardboard and wire or any other materials, which will be provided by the theatre.

Please join us if you can and if you need tips on how to make one. If you’re an old piñata pro, then get crafting!

Complimentary refreshments, fame and glory.

The event is free but we ask that you please RSVP  Estela at 503-236-7253 x114 or contact her at estela@milagro.org.

Save the Date! Posada Milagro Dec. 16

Photo by Faith Cathcart

Miracle Theatre Group invites the whole family to enjoy the Posada Milagro, to be celebrated Sunday, December 16th between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at El Centro Milagro (537 S.E. Stark St., Portland). This community celebration filled with Latin American traditions reflects upon the journey of Mary and Joseph in their search for refuge and is day of fun for the whole family! This year's celebration will feature 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. performances of an original pastorela, live music and folkloric dance. Throughout the afternoon there also be arts and crafts activities for kids, storytelling for children under 5 years old, a piñata for all ages and, of course, traditional foods for purchase. Admission to the event is free, but performances are limited to ticket-holders only. Free tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the theatre beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday Dec. 16. Guests are encouraged to bring donations of canned food for the Oregon Food Bank. This year's Posada Milagro is sponsored by El Centinela newspaper, Oregon Community Foundation and OnPoint Community Credit Union.

* * *
El Miracle Theatre Group invita a toda la familia a disfrutar de la Posada Milagro, que se celebrará el domingo 16 de diciembre entre la 1 y las 5 de la tarde aquí en el Centro Milagro (537 S.E. Stark St., Portland). Esta es una celebración comunitaria llena de tradiciones Latinoamericanas donde se recuerda el viaje de José y Maria en busca de un refugio. ¡Será un día de diversión para toda la familia! La celebración de este año incluye dos presentaciones en español (una a las 2 y otra a las 4 de la tarde) de una pastorela original, música en vivo, y bailes folkóricos. Como parte del entretenimiento de esta tarde también tendremos talleres artesanales y cuentos para los niños, una piñata y por supuesto comidas tradicionales para comprar. La entrada es gratuita pero solo podrán ingresar al teatro a la pastorela aquellos que tengan boleto. Los boletos gratuitos serán distribuidos al público por orden de llegada, comenzando a la 1 en punto del domingo 16 de diciembre. Se aceptan donaciones de comida enlatada para el Oregon Food Bank. Nuestros patrocinadores incluyen El Centinela, Oregon Community Foundation, y OnPoint Community Credit Union.

Photo of the Day: December 13, 2011

December 13, 2011, a photo by Miracle Theatre Group on Flickr.

A moment in the Pastorela Angélica that was presented by members of the community during Miracle Theatre Group's 2011 Posada Milagro. Photo courtesy of Alfredo Fuentes Feliciano