Los Pastores
San Antonio, Texas

Where: Mission San José

When: first Saturday after Christmas

This Christmas miracle play at Mission San José is a family favorite every season.

Usually scheduled for the Saturday following Christmas, Los Pastores or The Shepherds is considered one of San Antonio's oldest Spanish traditions, dating back over 250 years in the city. At that time, the play was presented by Franciscan priests at the mission to explain the story of the birth of Christ to the local Indian population.

The Franciscans had brought the play with them from Spain, where it originated in the 1500s. It is a story of good versus evil, with masked devils trying to prevent the shepherds from arriving in Bethlehem. Although the story is Spanish, the presentation has some local touches such as the handmade costumes which hark back to Texas traditions. The play itself is a Texas tradition and has been a San Antonio tradition since 1947.

Admission is free.

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For More Information:

• visit Los Compadres