Shepherd's Plays or 'Pastorelas' is a religious play that originated in medieval Europe and later was brought to the new world by the Spanish missionaries in an effort to evangelize the indigenous people and convert them to Christianity."La Pastorela" recreates the long trek of those first "pastores" to the holy site of the Nativity. Luzbel (Lucifer) and his demons attempt to thwart the shepherds from reaching Bethlehem and the Holy Manger. However in a dynamic clash of good against evil, San Miguel (St. Michael), the Archangel, and an army of angels overpower the demonic forces of Luzbel, and the shepherds are at last free to complete their journey.

Such festivity still takes place every year on Christmas Eve in the Mexican communities. It consists of a group of players who take their performance through the streets of the community. The players represent Lucifer and his minions wearing devil's masks, Saint Michel Archangel, a hermit, and shepherds (all wearing masks). The devils try to tempt the shepherds, and in turn are confronted by the hermit and Saint Michel Archangel. In the end, the devils are defeated. The festivity goes on with the shepherds, the Archangel and the hermit proceeding to adore the baby Jesus along with the rest of the community. Go back to top.