A&M International Presents Posada at University Dec. 4

Community members are invited to attend an evening of traditional celebration as Texas A&M International University presents a Posada on Thursday, December 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Kinesiology/Convocation Building.

The Posada, the first to be held at the University's new campus, will feature a welcome and introduction by members of the Student Government Association, the symbolic reenactment of Mary's and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem by the University's Newman Club, and a performance by the University's Ballet Folklorico group.

The reenactment will begin on the second floor of the Kinesiology/Convocation Building with a processional to three buildings on the University campus, Pellegrino, Canseco, and Bullock Halls.

After the processional, members of the University's Ballet Folklorico will perform five traditional dances of Mexico, "Flor de Piña," from Oaxaca, "La Bruja," from Veracruz, and "La Evangelina," "La Atravancada," and "La Gruella,' of Nuevo León, Mexico.

The dancers, all students at A&M International, include Sandra Ballesteros, Esmeralda Cardenas, Gabriela Cavazos, Cynthia Garza, Isabel Gutierrez, Alexander Hernandez, Vanessa Huerta, David Jones, Luz Leal, Guillermo Moreno de Leon, Pedro Leonardo, Ping Liu, Gladys Martinez, Juan Carlos Merla, Abril Pineda, Juan De Dios Reza, Laura Rodriguez, and Xochitl Rodriguez.

The dance group is under the direction of Gabriela Mendoza, Associate Director of the University's Office of Student Development, and former professional dancer.

The event will end with a reception featuring traditional Mexican dishes served during the Christmas season including tamales and champurrado.

For more information on the Posada at A&M International Dec. 4, please contact Mendoza at 326-2280 or the Student Government Association office at 326-2265.

University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu