Every year, the Bussiness Improvement District (BID) organizes the traditional Posadas-Spanish for inns–in Fruitvale. The posadas are part of the traditional Christmas celebrations in Mexico and Latin America. Posadas are usually held for family, friends, and neighbors. A posada is the reenactment of the Census pilgrimage to Bethlehem by Mary and Joseph in search of a room. During the reenactment, the posada hosts act as the innkeepers while their guests act as the pilgrims. Holding candles, each group takes turns singing verses to each other.
Community members, Oakland residents, and local merchants get together to sign Chrismas carols, drink ponche, give away toys, and break the pinatas. This year, over 300 people attended the celebration. The crowd sang in front of the Public Market and ended the party by breaking a giant pinata donated by the owner of Nieves Cinco de Mayo. The posadas are a great community building event and help promote local businesses.