A Century Old Mexican Christmas Tradition

Mexicans gathered in Mexico City’s historic suburb of Coyoacan on Thursday night for the staging of the beloved local tradition of the Christmas play, known in Mexico as the “Pastorela”

For half a century, famed Pastorelas in the Latin American country have delivered a yearly dose of mariachi music and laughter, retelling the story of the birth of Jesus with a Mexican twist.

The play is aimed at communicating the spirit of Christmas. But the message comes mixed with politics and satire.

Elaborate costumes, mariachi music and even Mexican food and drink help people to get into the Christmas spirit.

Nativity plays became popular in Mexico centuries ago when European Christian missionaries used the performances to evangelise the illiterate masses.