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MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — The Middletown Art Center, or MAC, invites the entire community to a festive Posada Navideña celebration during Christmas in Middletown on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 3 to 8 p.m.
Join them for an afternoon and evening filled with piñata breaking, villancicos — caroling in Spanish and English — along with art and craft vendors, kids’ artmaking, cultural food and beverages, and a warm community spirit that will delight participants of all ages.
Festivities begin at 3 p.m. throughout Middletown. The first piñata breaking at MAC will take place at 4 p.m. for children ages 4 to 10. A second piñata for medium-sized youth, roughly ages 10 to 16, begins at 7 p.m., followed by a final round at 7:30 p.m. for taller and older youth and adults who want to join in.
The large, colorful piñatas at MAC were created in a community piñata-making workshop attended by people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
From 5 to 7 p.m., the public is invited to join villancicos — caroling led by Los Magos de California and Gilbert Rangel with a community choir — outdoors at MAC (indoors in case of inclement weather).
At 5 p.m., Middletown High School’s Folklórico Troupe will perform at the Middletown Plaza across from the schools (where Buddha Thai Kitchen is located).
Las Posadas is a Mexican tradition of more than 400 years, also celebrated in Guatemala and Honduras. It commemorates the search for shelter by the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, with festivities that include food, music and piñatas.
Today, Las Posadas transcends its religious origins and is celebrated widely as a joyful, inclusive cultural tradition embraced by people of all beliefs.
Posada Navideña en Middletown at MAC has become an annual holiday celebration that uplifts Latin American communities, their traditions, and the broader community.
MAC is honored to continue this tradition as part of its commitment to creating an inclusive space for cultural celebration and artistic expression.
“Bringing Las Posadas to Middletown brings a little piece of home for families who 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, Kelseyville School Board President and owner of Equilingual translation services. “This approach strengthens our community by fostering understanding and connection across diverse backgrounds.”
Rangel and MAC believes that with ponche Navideño, champurrado, villancicos and piñatas we can bring a truly authentic and traditional posada to Lake County.
Cultural programming at MAC this year is partially funded by a prevention and early intervention mini-grant from Lake County Behavioral Health Services, by Equilingual and by MAC’s Cultural Fund.
Purchase your holiday gifts at the MAC and from vendors throughout Christmas in Middletown. Enjoy special holiday prices on gallery artwork, and discover unique, meaningful gifts while supporting our local creative community.
For more information about how you can contribute to MAC’s intercultural programs, email
The Middletown Art Center is a Lake County nonprofit dedicated to fostering art education, appreciation, and creation.
Through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and community events, the Middletown Art Center provides a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, creating an inclusive and accessible space for all.
