Category: Pastorelas

We started and ended our pastorela dance tour in Santa Fe de la Laguna.  The second pastorela occurred at night, with several troupes dancing throughout the village and, ultimately, competing by displaying their skills in front of the carguero’s home.

*Note:  Photos taken on my phone, so quality not as good as my camera.

 

Small yet mighty dancer!

 

A wide variety of costumes.

 

On a stage in front of the community center, troupes performed for a big audience.

Zacán’s shepherds, lined up and ready to dance their pastorela.

 

Different than the sweet pastorela of San Pedro Pareo, in Zacán if one didn’t provide the entrance fee of a bottle of tequila, one was hung up until someone paid that person’s fee!

 

This was the only pastorela with a female lead dancer.

 

The religious element of pastorela dancing.

 

What a look!

 

After lunch, we – well, Noé our amazing driver! – drove to the village of Angahuan for their pastorela.  At this one, several groups of shepherds converged on the church to march as one big group with the three wise “men” (children on horseback), the Baby Jesus, and Saint Mary.
Walking toward the church before the festivities begin.

 

In the church’s courtyard were the twelve Stations of the Cross, each with its own pastorela-themed display.

 

Bright and colorful headdresses.

 

The three wise “men” lead the procession.

 

Carrying Baby Jesus and Saint Mary.

It seemed innocent and calm at first… Beautiful blue costumes on the shepherds holding gorgeously decorated staffs.

 

As the shepherds danced in front of various villagers’ homes, the “devils” arrived!

 
Viejos marched in the streets, too!

 

Music and dancing throughout the village.

 
Everyone converged on the patio at the carguero’s home.  It was packed with people – watching, dancing, eating, and drinking!
So sweet – the hand of this devil on a boy’s shoulder.  Notice what’s in the devil’s other hand?  Tequila, of course!

San Lorenzo’s pastorela presented many surprising aspects.  When we arrived, mothers, grandmothers, and aunts were dressing up young men, primarily pre-teens or teenagers, in heavy costumes.  Often, the multiple layers of skirts weigh over 20 pound, so the boys hold onto a rope to balance themselves.  Their fathers fit the scarf and mask on the boy’s head.  During the festivity, the carguero and his family serve food and beverages.  Our entrance fee – at pretty much each pastorela?  A bottle of tequila!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While the young men donned their heavy costumes, viejos (in costumes meant to make them seem old) “tormented” onlookers.

 

Arrival of the Virgin Mary.

 

Negritos, dressed in black masks, whipped, goosed and pushed people – all in good fun, of course!

 

 

The dance competition captured everyone’s attention!  Village leaders, who formerly participated as dancers, were pulled from the stands to compete with current dancers.

 

Earnestly watching the dance competition.

 

Can’t have dancing without music!

Our pastorela tour started – and ended – in Santa Fe de la Laguna.  After walking and driving around the village, we found the roving group of dancers and musicians.

 

Baby Jesus led the procession.

 

Children, dressed for the occasion, followed the dancers on their journey.

 
Musicians, wearing traditional Michoacán sombreros, performed in front of homes and businesses.

 

Lots of smiles!

 

Great introduction to pastorelas – music, dancing, and costumes.