Franciscan priests created shepherd’s plays, which depict the shepherd’s journey to see Baby Jesus, in the 16th century as a way to share the Spanish culture and religion with Meso-American Indians.
Familiar cultural tools such as music, dance, action, and costumes were used to communicate the meanings of the plays to non-Spanish speaking Native Americans. It is very likely that shepherd’s plays were performed at the Spanish Colonial site of Mission Espiritu Santo during the 18th century.
Guests can witness firsthand perspectives of what it must have been like for Native Americans getting their first look at the Spanish way of life.
Mission Espiritu Santo is located in Goliad State Park, approximately a half mile south of Goliad on State Highway 183.
For more information, call Goliad State Park at 361-645-3405. Fees are $3 per adult. Children 12 years and under are free.
