Bohol holds ‘Pastores’ contest to preserve Christmas tradition

JUBILATION | The “Pastores” contest, one of the highlights of the Christmas lighting ceremony at the provincial capitol of Bohol in Tagbilaran City on Dec. 7, depicts the shepherds’ jubilation over the birth of Jesus Christ. (Photo by LEO UDTOHAN / Inquirer Visayas)

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Philippines — To keep a long-standing Christmas practice in Bohol, local officials decided to hold the “Pastores” contest so as not to lose touch with tradition.

Boholanos tend to forget the Pastores, a musical reenactment of the story of the birth of Jesus, due to the waning interest among the locals, especially the youth, said Marianito Luspo, a local historian.

“The tradition faces the threat of discontinuity in the province,” he said.

The tradition involves pastores, or shepherds, who herald and rejoice the birth of Jesus Christ through songs. It was introduced by Spanish priests in the late 1800s and spread across Bohol, where it became part of the Yuletide celebration of the province.

Last Wednesday, different groups wearing colorful costumes and props staged the Pastores, which also coincided with the opening of the provincial government-initiated “Kasadya 2022” to mark the start of the Christmas season in the province.

In this year’s tilt, the municipality of Corella won the Pastores contest and received a cash prize of P150,000. The town also got the Best in Heritage Content and Best in Production Design awards.