Holidays at UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures: Toy Day, folk play and more

Los Pastores
Toy DAy

Top photo: "Lost Pastores" performance
Bottom photo: Toy Day at ITC

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(Nov. 25, 2014) -- The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures has a busy holiday season planned. There will be three big events in December, each with free admission: Toy Day, Second Sunday and a performance of the traditional play, "Los Pastores."

-- "Toy Day" is Dec. 6, with free admission to any visitor bringing a new, unwrapped toy. The toys will be distributed to needy children by the San Antonio Fire Department.

"We began this tradition four years ago, when we hosted the 'Timeless Texas Toys' exhibit, and we've continued ever since," said Aaron Parks, ITC assistant director. "We continue to support the San Antonio Fire Department and offer a day of fun and entertainment for anyone supporting the SAFD effort."

-- The "Healthy Holiday" program is Dec. 13. Any guest bringing a food item from the San Antonio Food Bank's "12 Most Wanted" list will receive free admission to the program with cooking demonstrations, tips on food choices and strategies to remaining healthy during the holidays.

-- Free Second Sunday is Dec. 14. This month, actors from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church will perform the traditional Christmas folk play, "Los Pastores." A Tejano tradition, the morality play portrays the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem for the nativity of the Christ child. The day will begin with a workshop teaching songs from the play and the opportunity to make props used in the play, such as angel crowns and devil masks.

"Whether participating in one of the museum's activity days or visiting the new exhibits, the Institute of Texan Cultures is a fantastic place to bring family during the break," said Parks.

The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures gives voice to the experiences of people from across the globe who call Texas home, providing insight into our past, present and future. The 182,000-square-foot complex features exhibit space and five re-creation Texas Frontier period structures on the UTSA HemisFair Park Campus in downtown San Antonio. The museum is at 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd., a short distance from the Alamo and the River Walk.

Regular hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m., Sunday.  Admission is $8 for adults (ages 12-64); $7 for seniors (ages 65+); $6 for children (ages 3-11); free with membership or UTSA or Alamo Colleges identification. The ITC will be closed Nov. 27, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Hours on Dec. 31 will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

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For more information, call 210-458-2300 or visit TexanCultures.com.

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