This is acted out as a pastoral play at Christmas-time in Brazil. Sometimes it's sung by choirs.

Luana wrote: "The Pastoril is actually connected to Christmas, it's a kind of a theatrical play. The actors are divided in two groups named 'cordões' (strings or cords). One group is Red and the other is Blue. The leader of the Red 'String' is called 'Mestra' (Mistress), and the leader of the Blue 'String' is called 'Contra-Mestra' (literally 'Forewoman'), but to simplify, I will call them simply 'Red Mistress' and 'Blue Mistress'."

Notes

Here's what Luana wrote about the Pastoril, "The Pastoril is actually connected to Christmas, it's a kind of a theatrical play. The actors are divided in two groups named "cordões". That word may signify, literally, a tenuous string. It's also the name given to the groups of the participants of a folkloric festivity (like Carnaval or Pastoril). I can't say surely that there is a well-marked connection between Pastoril and Carnaval, but I think that it's possible, in other regions; Carnaval is an amalgam of various traditions, it's possible that it includes some elements of the Pastoril."

Comments

More about the Red and Blue Cords from an online document about Pastorils:

"A existência do nome de 'cordão' é devida à influência poderosa da música profana carnavalesca. Quanto à denominação de cordão azul e encarnado é justificável, por serem as cores votivas de Nosso Senhor e Nossa Senhora."

"The existence of the name 'Cord' (or string) is due to the powerful influence of secular music carnival. The designation of a blue and red cord is justifiable, because they were votive colors for Our Lord and Our Lady."

Thanks and Acknowledgements

Many thanks to Luana for sharing this Pastoril. Translated by Luana and Mama Lisa.