Now in its third season, La Pastorela Yakima is really starting to pick up steam and develop as a community-led expression of faith and collaboration. This year the play features thirty-five community actors of all ages, two dance groups – Los Bailadores del Sol and the La Casa Hogar dancers, and a children’s choir.

What’s a pastorela, you ask? It’s a traditional Christmas play – a kind of seasonal ritual for many communities throughout Mexico. The angels appear to some shepherds and tell them where to find the baby Jesus. But on their way the people are intercepted by devils and demons who try to confuse them and throw them off track.

Let’s hope the shepherds find their way to the manger in Yakima this Christmas and those who can will definitely make it to one of the shows at St. Joseph Parish in Yakima.