The Annual Gran Posada, a traditional Mexican Christmas celebration.

Basilica Programs are offered free of charge, however, we gratefully accept donations.

La Gran Posada is an annual tradition performed within the Little Flower Basilica located in San Antonio, Texas. Including a medley of Hispanic Christmas songs, or villancicos, with Invocations to the Virgin Mary, the Litany and Cantos de las Posadas, along with traditional Christmas songs from around the world.

The audience is invited to join a procession around the interior of the Basilica, in a centuries-old traditional retelling of the biblical story of the Holy Family’s search for Jesus' birthplace.

Following the program, all are invited to the parish hall for la merienda: hot chocolate, buñuelos, and a piñata for the children.

Little Flower Faith Formation students portray the roles of Mary, Joseph, the star, and heralds.

Musical design and artistic direction are by Cristina Ortega: An internationally known singer, Ms. Ortega was honored by the National Institute of Fine Arts (El Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes) in Mexico City as "The Soprano of Mexico" in 2014 and 2015. In 2013, she was awarded the Grand Cross of Humanitarian Merit by the Institute of Humanitarian Merit (La Institución al Mérito Humanitario) in Barcelona, Spain. This award recognizes her promotion of the Hispanic arts and culture through her career on opera stages around the world and in Mexican radio and television programs, and through her work with the Hispanic Heritage Society.

During Ms. Ortega's concert career, she has represented Mexico in some of the world’s most prestigious venues. She was the first Mexican opera singer to perform Mexican concert songs at the Carnegie Hall and has sung with Plácido Domingo, Beverly Sills, and other prominent artists.