Taoseña shares passion for ‘Los pastores,’ brother’s pastries
People celebrate the Christmas holidays in various manners, sometimes in ways that become an annual tradition, and at other times, celebrations occur at varying intervals. Elena Avelar of Taos recently decided to return to a former tradition this year, and she’s excited to revive her old custom.
“For many years, I was a cast member in the “Los Pastores” Christmas play. I filled the role of Miguel Archangel twice, Gila once and Tubal about four times for a total of seven times, with breaks in between. After my most recent time off, I’m returning to the role of the angel,” said Avelar during a recent interview.
A passion: Avelar originally joined the cast of Los Pastores in 2008. She attended church at Our Lady of Guadalupe every Sunday and learned about “Los Pastores” from family member Ofelia Montaño. Avelar kept returning throughout the years. “I love it,” she said. “I remember it as fun, peaceful and the sharing of an amazing story. The performance brings the story alive.”
The story showcases the shepherds’ search for the newborn Christ child. During their journey, they experience many adventures: traveling and camping outdoors in extreme cold; dealing with the personalities of the individuals traveling together; and experiencing the battle of good versus evil.
Each character brings aspects of his or her personality into the journey. In the end, the shepherds reach their goal and find the Holy Family. Music plays throughout the play, but the scene at the end, serenading the baby Jesus, remains the most melodious of all.
Avelar believes that the play illustrates life to the young participants. “It’s really neat because the kids start from the bottom, with a small role. Then, they move up to a more advanced and challenging role. It’s exciting to be there at the first practice to witness the anticipation of them going up to new roles,” Avelar said. “When we perform the play in out of town communities, it’s fun to see new places, take pictures and get to know one another more because of traveling in the same vehicle. The cast gets to know one another on a real level beyond the play.”
Cast members reside in several localities, including Taos and Albuquerque. Sometimes, a person leaves a role due to health or other issues. In that case, others join the cast, sometimes returning to a previous role or appearing in a new one. Cast members who participated over several years’ time eventually learn others’ lines, so advancing to a more major role or substituting for another cast member remains possible when necessary.
The cast views the play as its gift to the community. “The performances illustrate characters speaking from their hearts. They are not praying only with their hands and knees, but with their voices, their actions and their story. The play makes those who see it feel good. That’s what my involvement in ‘Los Pastores’ is all about,” Avelar said.
The public is invited to attend the free Taos performance of “Los
Pastores” Saturday (Dec. 22) at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Another performance is scheduled Friday, (Dec. 28) at
6 p.m. at the Sangre de Cristo Parish in San Luis, Colorado.
Taos connections: Avelar’s family hails from Mexico; she was born in Silver City. At age
2, Avelar moved with her family to the Taos area because of the need of a support system when Avelar fell ill. When she turned 7, her immediate family moved to North Carolina for a year. They opted to return to Taos because they felt too far from the extended family. “We considered living in Texas, Arizona or Colorado, but Taos is home already,” said Avelar.
As an adult, Avelar spent a year in Texas before returning home to Taos.
Her immediate family consists of her parents, Rosario and Teresa Avelar, her older brother Miguel and younger brother Julian, plus many other relatives.
Work: Over the years, when she wasn’t volunteering as part of the “Los Pastores” cast, Avelar worked as a certified nurse assistant,
at Verizon and in housekeeping at a hospital. At present, she serves as a Herbal Life distributor and a personal Zumba instructor, working at clients’ homes.
Play: In her spare time, Avelar likes to chill out. “I don’t go out much. I like to sit outdoors and write stories and poems,” she said.
“I had stopped writing after a trauma, but I’ll let you in on a little secret. I’m back in the writing mode, and I now carry this little notepad. Shh. No one knows,” Avelar said with a laugh. “I like to see new places and dance. The louder the music, the better. I like all types of music, using vibes and moods as a guide. Most of all, I like to feel the music.”
Avelar also enjoys Christmas and Disney movies, renting them or using Netflix.
Avelar also likes to read, professing to no favorites as “there are so many good books out there.” However, she prefers fiction and fantasy, especially reading about fairies. A bookshelf in her room includes vampires, werewolves and ghosts.
Favorite foods: Avelar relies on Herbal Life for nutrition, drinking the specially made shakes every day. She eats small portions of health food. Her favorite edibles include beans and cheese, enchiladas and chilaquiles. When eating a large meal, Avelar prefers beans on the side and chile made from pods instead of powder. Avelar acknowledges her big sweet tooth. “My brother likes to bake, and his latest creations include mango filling,” Avelar said.
Staying fit: To work off the sweet tooth, Avelar exercises at Deliberately Fit gym daily. Her light weight routine balances her and assists her in healing from an illness. She visualizes a more vigorous process in the future.