Table of Contents
- 1 What is the purpose of Pastorelas?
- 2 What is La Pastorela in Mexico?
- 3 What was the purpose of Pastorelas in the past who used them and for what?)?
- 4 What does Mexico do on Christmas?
- 5 Who invented Pastorela?
- 6 What did the Aztecs celebrate between the 7th and 26th of December?
- 7 What is Santa called in Mexico?
- 8 Does Mexico have snow?
- 9 Where does the tradition of the pastorela come from?
- 10 What is the meaning of the play Las pastorelas?
What is the purpose of Pastorelas?
It is generally believe that the Pastorelas are a group of shepherds who want to go worship the new born baby Jesus in Bethlehem and the devil does everything possible to not let this happen. They face the same angels or San Miguel. The main message of this Mexican tradition is that good prevails against the evil.
What is La Pastorela in Mexico?
La Pastorela is a Mexican tradition of recreating the biblical passage where the shepherds follow the Star of Bethlehem to find the Child of Christ.
How did Pastorelas help spread Christianity in Mexico?
The religious purpose was to propagate the Christian faith by instructing illiterate peasants in the Christmas story. From Italy, the custom of Nativity scenes spread around the world. In Mexico the tradition developed with a uniquely Mexican flavor.
What was the purpose of Pastorelas in the past who used them and for what?)?
“This is the tradition,” he said, “taking a religious act and turning it into an attack on the government.” Originally, the pastorela was used by the Spanish clergy as a device to convert Mexican Indians to Christianity. The nativity play was a method of explaining religious texts.
What does Mexico do on Christmas?
It’s a full month of celebrations, marked with family feasts and lots of piñatas. Starting on 12 December and lasting until 6 January, Christmas celebrations in Mexico have their own flair. There are candle-lit processions, elaborate nativity scenes, Spanish Christmas carols, dancing and fireworks.
When did Pastorela begin?
Pastorela, which roughly means “shepherds’ plays”, are theatrical works performed by both amateur and professional groups during the Christmas season. The first play in the New World occurred in the early 1700s with the establishment of early Spanish missions.
Who invented Pastorela?
“La Pastorela” began as a weathered script given to El Teatro founder Luis Valdez by Longina Montoya, the grandmother of El Teatro member Noe Montoya. It was a true treasure, the version of the play as performed in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, for centuries.
What did the Aztecs celebrate between the 7th and 26th of December?
This beautiful tradition of the Posadas comes from the times of the Colonial period, but it is interesting to note that before the Conquest the Aztecs celebrated every year the arrival of the god Huitzilopochtli, between the 7th and the 26th of December.
How do Las Posadas traditionally end?
On December 24th, the ninth and final night of the Posada, everyone attends midnight mass. Midnight mass is called Misa de Gallo, Mass of the Rooster. Then the real celebrations begin after mass. Santa Claus does not arrive, Christmas presents are not exchanged, this is not part of the Mexican traditional Christmas.
What is Santa called in Mexico?
In many Latin American countries, Santa Claus is a well-established figure and they call him by the English term. In Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, Santa Claus in Spanish is sometimes called Santa Clós or Santa Cló to refer to the exact same character as in the United States.
Does Mexico have snow?
Although snow is uncommon in most parts of Mexico, it does snow each winter in some parts of the country, especially in areas located at altitudes greater than 10,000 feet above sea level. It snows in 12 of the country’s 32 states (31 states and 1 federal entity), most of which are northern states.
What are some Christmas traditions that have developed around Nacimientos?
Nacimientos made of wood, pottery, everlasting flowers, fruits, basketry, glass, wax or tinplate, Mexican nativity scenes possess a charm all their own. Although the custom of putting up a Christmas tree has become very popular, the real Mexican tradition consists of setting up a nativity scene.
Where does the tradition of the pastorela come from?
A Pastorela is a play performed around Christmas that recreates the nativity scene from the bible and the birth of baby Jesus. Children from around Mexico participate in Pastorelas by acting, singing, and dancing. Do you know where this tradition comes from? It started when Spain was still ruling Mexico.
What is the meaning of the play Las pastorelas?
Pastorelas are plays that recreate the biblical passage where the shepherds follow the Star of Bethlehem to find the Christ Child. In order to reach the birth place of the Redeemer, they have to experience a series of changes in fortune and confront the Devil, who will do everything possible to prevent them from completing their mission.
What do the pastorelas tell us about Christmas?
Whether in remote towns or in the big Mexican cities, pastorelas set the stage for the whole of December and leave us, through their playful language and funny situations, the most important message of the season: Good always overcomes Evil.