La Pastorela Performance -- Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011
The traditional live performance of the historic
LA PASTORELA
An old world pageant, first presented by the Franciscans in
the 1500-1600s to teach the
Christmas Story to the Aztecs of Mexico
and the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico.
Don't miss this
unique opportunity in Socorro!!!
Performance by the famed La Gran Pastorela group from Belen.
When: 2 p.m., Sunday, December 18, 2011
Where: On the famous "raked stage" of
the historic GARCIA OPERA HOUSE,
Socorro, New Mexico
(Not held at the Heritage Center)
Admission: Free to the public
Sponsored by El Camino Real
International
Heritage Center Foundation
A Little History of the performance . . .
La Pastorela (the Shepherds) was the most popular religious play in New Mexico for centuries.
First brought to New Mexico along El Camino Real by the early Franciscans, it was meant to teach the Christmas story to
the native people of New Mexico who did not yet know the Spanish language (nor the Franciscans fluent in the native languages).
It told the story of the Christ child in pageant form, sprinkled with light-hearted lessons in morality and Christian principles.
La
Pastorela was once performed every year at Christmas in about every small town along the Rio Grande and El Camino Real trail.
By the mid-20th century, it had almost vanished.
Re-birth. In 1973, an original handwritten Spanish manuscript was
found of the original La Pastorela performance. Belen resident Filomena Baca organized local church members to perform the
authentic La Pastorela based on the discovered manuscript. It was a resounding success. La Pastorela de Belen group has
been performing the traditional pageant now for 37 years, keeping this almost vanished part of New Mexico's history and culture alive.
The
performance is in Spanish, much of it based on the "old world" - now archaic - form of Spanish.
English speaking guests: You
do not need to know the Spanish language to thoroughly enjoy this performance. It was designed centuries ago to tell the Christmas
story in spite of language barriers. There is no problem following the story and enjoying this authentic and unique part
of the Hispanic heritage in New Mexico. The old style Spanish poetic prose and music is beautiful.
The plot is loosely based on the Biblical story of Jesus’ birth. Shepherds are walking in the countryside when they hear from
the Archangel Michael that Christ child is born. They travel to see the baby Jesus but are met by El Diablo
(Lucifer), who tries to prevent them from their journey. The angel Michael triumphs over the devil, and the shepherds arrive at the
manger with gifts such as a lamb, a pillow and diapers. The character, Bartolo, is lazy and would rather sleep than go to Bethlehem, telling
the other shepherds:
"Si quiere la Gloria verme, Que venga la Gloria aca."
"If the Glory wants to see me, Let the Glory come to me."
In
the end, Bartolo is finally urged to enter Belen (Bethlehem) and visits the Christ child, for which he repents of his shameful actions
and worships the baby Jesus.
The Sheperds tending their flock and preparing to camp for the evening.
Archangel Michael appears to the Sheperds with the marvelous news of the Christ child.
Later, the devil appears to the night watchman, discouraging the Sheperds from visiting
the Christ child.
The devil also causes the Sheperds to act badly towards some of the others.
The angel Michael and the devil battle. Defeating Lucifer, the Sheperds can continue to Bethlehem.
Mary and Jesus (always played by a mother and her newborn son).
The Sheperds arrive at the manger and find Mary and baby Jesus.
The Sheperds offer their humble gifts.
Each Sheperd meets the Christ child ...
... and sings praises for the birth of the baby Jesus.
Except the lazy Bartolo, who would rather sleep than be bothered to see the child.
Finally, the Sheperds get Bartolo on his feet and coax him to the manger.
Upon seeing Mary and Jesus, Bartolo repents for his laziness and worships the Christ child.
The Sheperds sing and dance for their priviledge to see and worship the baby Jesus.
All music and songs are
performed live by the
La Pastorela de Belen group.
Most of the pageant actors
of La Pastorela de Belen.
Photos of last year's LA PASTORELA performance at El Camino Real Center
NOTE: This year's performance will be in Socorro at the Garcia
Opera House -- NOT at the Center/
Click on the photos to enlarge
The well-known Belen group presents the traditional, centuries old LA PASTORELA including period dress, music and chorus.
Don't miss this rare opportunity.
For more information, read Paul Harden's history article on
La Pastorela and Las Posadas.
