In the New World, colonization was different because the people were chosen and received land grants. Some that came were people that had been in pastorelas, thus bringing the traditions with them.

The first pastorela of the New World was held in 1527 in Cuernavaca, Puebla and Mexico City (note: Virgen de Guadalupe appeared four years later to the Indian Juan Diego). These first pastorelas were used to educate and Christianize the Indians in 1530-1531. Some believe Juan Diego was in attendance.

After Mexico, Queretaro and Guanajuato recorded pastorelas, the traditions started moving closer to the Rio Grande. Some early settlers such as Juan Sanchez in Laredo (Mr. Zepeda's ancestor) and Pedro Villarreal in San Pedro de Carricitos, brought these traditions with them.

The first pastorela north of the Rio Grande took place in Rincon de Galan, later known as Rincon de Falafax. Around 1761 King Charles gave this land to Joaquin Galan, son-in-law of Sanchez, where he settled in 1755. (1781 was when land was adjudicated to the settlers). The people that settled here were good Catholics and supported the King. Very few were of royal blood but were chosen because they were hard workers and self-sufficient.

Some things used in the original pastorelas could not be found so several substitutions had to be made. Olive wood for the Hermits rosary was not available, therefore, sliced corn cobs were used. The wild olive tree was later found and used. The shepherd's staff was decorated with grasses and wildflowers (such as sunflowers) and with seed pods of Huisache, Mesquite, and Ebony. Rattlesnake rattlers were used to make the sound of rain.

All pastorelas in Europe had a nightingale as the bird of choice. In this area, the historical bird was the risenor but Bishop Falifax chose a local bird, the mockingbird, as his bird of choice.

Much excitement was experienced on the day of the pastorelas. When the cock crowed three times, all the preparations of the day would begin.

A hog was killed and prepared for the tamales. The night before a pile of wood (with dry mesquite on the bottom and the green on top - for proper smoke) would be prepared. While burning, the white smoke would signal where the pastorela would take place. In New Mexico the signal used were luminaries.

The pastorelas were a very significant part of life from young to old. Children often played devils against angels instead of cowboys and Indians.

Luis Lopez de Vega, during the fifteenth Century's Golden Age of Literature, polished the pastorelas up and wrote them in stanza and verse. Pastorelas are still common in bigger cities such as San Antonio, Las Cruces and Santa Fe. In California the Teatro Campesino performs one yearly. Luis Munoz - from Texas- directs it.

In our local town of San Benito, two neighborhoods known as El Gardin, and La Encantada, were active with Pastorelas.