The country of Mexico boasts lot of festivals and traditions. If you are planning your trip to Mexico, you should go in December as it has lot of events and festivals in this month. One of such fascinating events is Las Pastorelas.

Pastorela means the pastoral or the play which takes place in the countryside and which is related to the activities of pastors or shepherds. Pastorelas are the traditional and improvised version of theatrical presentations which show the birth of Jesus. These are the dramas of Nativity which have origin in 16th century Spanish religious theaters. Pastorelas were the theatrical performances used by the missionaries to pass on the religious knowledge to the Mexican people.

Whether it is a remote town or the city of Mexico, these Pastorelas are performed everywhere in the country. Many people perform this act and entertain other people through their acts, their humorous language as well as funny situations and deliver the most important message – Good always overcomes evil. Sometimes the characters of the play perform some political jokes for the entertainment of audience.

These Pastorelas are preformed in last week of December in the afternoon or early evenings. These plays are mostly performed outdoors, in public places such as in an inn or public squares or in the courtyard of the church. The performers of the play can be professionals, local actors or school children. The performance may last half an hour or sometimes, several hours.

Mexico has rich and varied culture which boasts many festivals including Las Pastorela. Every year, during Christmas, these Pastorelas are performed. In fact, there is no Christmas in Mexico without Pastorelas. They are very lively and funny acts which entertain people and also deliver the message of victory of good over evil.