PHOENIX (By Mel Meléndez, Arizona Republic) December 16, 2006, December 16, 2007, December 5, 2008, and December 6, 2009 — It's an annual tradition dating back to the 16th century but to many Hispanics living in Phoenix the posadas holiday tradition is relevant as ever and essential to their aim of preserving their Mexican roots.

Spanish for lodging or shelter, las posadas is a Mexican custom that typically starts December 16 as a nine-day buildup to Christmas Eve. But what started in Mexico as a deeply religious holiday celebrating the Nativity has evolved stateside into modern-day, often times homages that also help reinforce cultural values for those of Mexican-American descent.

"Traditions are important because they help you keep your culture alive," said Jorge Vaquera, a 20-year-old sophomore at Phoenix College. "And culture not only enriches your life, but it enhances the lives of those around you."

Traditional posada events featured a nightly procession typically led by children carrying a platform with icons of Joseph and Mary on a burro. Trailing participants, the pilgrims carried candles and sang as they approached the homes designated as posadas.

The pilgrims then proceeded to beg the innkeepers for admittance, who denied them entry until they learned of Joseph and Mary.

Today, Catholic churches organize many of Phoenix's religious posada events. Nearly all of the 40-plus Phoenix parishes with Spanish-language Masses hold posada events.

Many community groups and schools also host celebrations. For example, Phoenix College, which held its annual Las Posadas candlelight procession event last week, has organized the affair for nearly three decades.

More than 200 people typically attend the school's posada, which is organized by student members of ALE, or Associación Latina Estudiantil, and MEChA, or Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán, through the foreign languages department. About 12,500 students attend the central Phoenix campus, about a third of them — Hispanics.

"Our Hispanic students and staff look forward to this event each year," said Virginia Foster, foreign languages department chair. "But non-Hispanics also attend our posada event, which is great because it increases mutual understanding amongst groups as we learn of each others' cultures."

Phoenix College's posada ends with a student-produced pastorela at the school's auditorium. The dramas often follow posadas because they present the tale of the pilgrimage by shepherds to visit the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem.

Both celebrations help those born in Mexico feel more at home in the United States, while aiding Mexican Americans in preserving the rich tradition of their forefathers, said 24-year-old sophomore Reynaldo Martínez, president of Phoenix College's ALE club.

"It makes Mexican immigrants feel less home sick during the holidays," said Martínez, who's originally from Guerrero, Mexico.

"But my U.S.-born relatives also love it, and look forward to las posadas every year."