Felipe Horta, mask maker from Michoacán, Mexico, joined the Latin American and Iberian Institute recently to discuss maskmaking with local K-12 educators, and Dr. Patricia Covarrubias of the Department of Communication & Journalism served as interpreter/translator. The workshop involved a discussion about the uses of masks in Mexican pastorelas. Pastorelas are performed during the month of December and are reenactments of shepherds traveling to Bethlehem to see the Christ Child. The tales involve characters whose trek is hindered by demons, but aided by angels. Horta's masks have been used for many years by professional performers in pastorelas. Horta's presentation also involved some 30 Albuquerque educators with making their own masks!